Salat al-Istikhara — The Prayer of Guidance

Salat al-Istikhara is the prayer of seeking guidance from Allah when facing an important decision. The word "istikhara" means to seek the best outcome. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to teach his companions istikhara for all matters, just as he would teach them a surah of the Quran. Jabir ibn Abdullah narrated: "The Messenger of Allah used to teach us istikhara in all matters, as he used to teach us a surah from the Quran" (Sahih al-Bukhari). This demonstrates that istikhara is not reserved for major life decisions alone but is a regular practice of the believer.

When to Pray Istikhara

Istikhara is recommended for any permissible matter about which a person is uncertain: marriage proposals, job offers, business decisions, travel plans, educational choices, and any situation where two or more permissible options exist. It is not performed for matters that are obligatory (one must do them regardless) or prohibited (one must avoid them regardless). The scholars advise that istikhara should be prayed after gathering information and consulting trustworthy people (istisharah), as seeking guidance and seeking advice complement each other.

The Method

The person performs two rak'ahs of voluntary prayer (not a mandatory prayer). It is recommended to recite Surah al-Kafirun (Quran 109) in the first rak'ah and Surah al-Ikhlas (Quran 112) in the second, though any surahs are acceptable. After completing the prayer and the salam, the person raises their hands and recites the istikhara dua taught by the Prophet (peace be upon him). The dua includes: "O Allah, I seek Your guidance by virtue of Your knowledge, and I seek ability by virtue of Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. You have power and I have none. You know and I know not. You are the Knower of hidden things." The dua then mentions the specific matter and asks Allah to decree it if it is good, and to turn it away if it is harmful.

Common Misconceptions

Many people believe that istikhara must produce a dream or a specific sign. This is not supported by the hadith. The correct understanding is that after praying istikhara, the person should proceed with their decision with trust in Allah. If the matter is facilitated and one feels inclined toward it, this may be a sign of goodness. If obstacles arise and one feels aversion, this may be a sign to reconsider. Scholars clarify that istikhara may be repeated if the person remains undecided, and that the answer may come through natural circumstances rather than supernatural signs.

Trust in Allah's Choice

The essence of istikhara is submission to Allah's will and trust that He knows what is best for His servant. The dua explicitly states: "If You know that this matter is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs, then decree it for me and facilitate it for me and bless me in it. And if You know that this matter is harmful for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs, then turn it away from me and turn me away from it, and decree for me what is good wherever it may be, and make me content with it." This surrender to divine wisdom, combined with personal effort, embodies the Islamic concept of tawakkul.