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What is Istikhara prayer?
What does Istikhara mean?
What is Sunnah Istikhara prayer?
When is Istikhara appropriate?
Jul 30, 2024 · Istikharah prayer is a two-rak`ah non-obligatory Prayer by which one seeks Allah’s guidance when he is confused or can’t choose between permissible alternatives. The Muslim should pray to Allah the Almighty to guide him to whatever He sees fit for him and make his heart satisfied with the decision.
Istikhara means to ask Allah to guide you to the path best for you concerning an affair with two halal options. In matters that are waajib (obligatory), haraam (forbidden) or makrooh (disliked) there is no need to pray Istikhara.
- Overview
- Performing the Salat-al-Istikhara
- Asking for Guidance
- Having the Right Mindset
How do you perform Istikhara? Salat-al-Istikhara is a prayer of guidance recited during times of indecision. After you’ve cleansed and performed
, you’ll open your prayer, recite two rak’ah, then offer your Istikhara supplication. Once you’ve prayed, rather than waiting for a symbolic vision, you’ll reflect within to find answers and seek advice from those you find wise and knowledgeable. Read on for a step-by-step guide on performing the Istikharah dua to seek guidance from Allah.
Before starting prayer, you should perform Wudu to ensure you’re clean. Center your thoughts, then wash and rinse these areas three times: your hands, mouth, face, nose, and lower forearms. Wash your head and ears once, then wash your feet three times (starting with the right foot).
You can then point your right index finger to the sky and recite a prayer of witness: "Ash-hadu al laa ilaaha illALLAHu wahdahuu laa shariikalahu, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhuu wa rasuuluh."
The English translation is, "I bear witness that there is no deity other than Allah alone; He is One; He has no partner and I bear witness that Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) is His (chosen) servant and (true) Messenger."
In some cases, you may need to
instead, such as when semen is emitted, or after intercourse.
Prepare your space for prayer.
Pray the Istikhara when you need to make a decision.
Performing Istikhara is appropriate whenever you have to make a non-obligatory decision. It’s a powerful prayer of guidance for whenever you are unsure about a decision. Examples could include:
Deciding whether to take a job offer.
Perform Istikhara after Salat al-Fajr or Salat al-Lail.
It’s always best to recite two rak’ah before asking for guidance. It’s advised to incorporate Istikhara into your morning prayer (Salat al-Fajr) or after Salat al-Lail. Salat al-Lail is a voluntary late night prayer. It does not have a mandated number of rak’ah, but if it you perform it, it must be after the obligatory Isha, or night prayer.
Seek advice from knowledgeable people when praying for guidance.
When you center yourself on an intention in prayer, you should say truthfully in your heart and mind that you are asking for guidance and need help. Further, you should be open to receiving it and taking action. To be sincere, you should be willing to get an answer and follow through even if it’s not the one you want to hear.
Say the prayer with firm convictions instead of begging.
Your intention should only be to clearly ask for guidance with firm convictions. Avoid begging or pleading. If you beg or plead, you’re not really asking for guidance, but asking for something you desire to come true.
Don’t be impatient after saying the prayer.
You shouldn’t put Allah on a timetable.
, and avoid showing haste or desperation. Remember not to expect miracles or symbolic visions when praying Istikhara, but to be open to answers in the forms of advice and subtle signs or feelings.
- 3.1M
Jan 26, 2010 · Istikharah prayer is a Sunnah which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) prescribed for anyone who wants to do an action but is hesitant about it. What is Istikharah prayer? Istikharah in Arabic means seeking guidance to make a decision concerning something.
Istikhara prayer is a two-rak`ah non-obligatory Prayer by which one seeks Allah’s guidance when he is confused or can’t choose between permissible alternatives. In this case, the Muslim should pray to Allah the Almighty to guide him to whatever He sees fit for him and make his heart satisfied with the decision.
Oct 28, 2022 · Here’s how you can perform the Istikhara Prayer in seven clear steps: Perform Wudu. Say two cycles of ritual prayer (Nafl Salah). After finishing the ritual prayer, recite Durood-e-Ibrahim. Do Allah’s Dhikr. For example, you can say “Allahu Akbar” any number of times. Recite Dua-e-Istikhara:
Aug 24, 2021 · Istikhara means ‘to seek the best of affairs’. It is a Sunnah prayer of two raka’at with the intention to seek guidance from Allah s.w.t. on whether to proceed or to withdraw from the matter. It could be matters pertaining to marriage, career pathways, business and many more.
