What is Istikhara prayer?
Istikhara means asking for God’s guidance in acting on one of two Shariah and Halal decisions. Istikhara is not necessary regarding fard, haram and makrooh issues. Istikhara prayer is related to the subjects of mahbuh (permissible) and mustahabb (encouraged or preferred), which a person does not know which of them is more good for him.
There is a misunderstanding in the minds of some Muslims regarding the Istikhara prayer, which is that after Istikhara prayer and praying the Istikhara prayer, they expect to dream about the decision they are making. This idea does not have any stability from the Sharia point of view. Still, there is also a possibility of harm to it because the devil can deceive a person under the pretext of a dream and lead him away from a decision that is good for him.
The result of reading the Istikhara prayer can be manifested in several ways. After performing the Istikhara prayer, follow the decision that your heart is more inclined towards and feel happy and peaceful in it. In addition, you may find that there have been changes in the situation, which may be the benefit or disadvantage of the work.
It is worth noting that after praying Istikhara and asking God for good, you should not withdraw from deciding because it indicates that you do not accept guidance from God. And another thing is that before the Istikhara prayer, your heart and senses should be pure; before reading the Istikhara prayer, you should not have decided against it so that after Istikhara, you will not want to follow that decision. And if after Istikhara prayer, your heart still does not testify to one of those two acts, repeat Istikhara. (Read more: Istikhara method with a rosary)
The method of praying Istikhara
Istikhara prayer consists of two parts and is Sunnah. Time and place have no restrictions, Istikhara prayer can be recited in the mosque or house during the day or night. After Surah Al-Fatiha, he should read any verses he wants from the Holy Quran. After completing two part of prayer, he should say many praises and attributes to God, sends greetings and blessings to the blessed Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and then recite the following supplication. It is necessary to remember its Arabic text and know its meaning, but those who read it in Arabic cannot. Read its Dari text.
The description of the Istikhara prayer and the following prayer is narrated by Jabir Ibn Abdullah (RA), who said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) taught us to pray the Istikhara prayer in every case, just like he used to teach us the surahs of the Qur’an. They used to say that whenever one of you is worried about making a decision, let him pray two parts of Istikhara and then say:
God, I ask for my good from your knowledge. I ask for its ability from your power. And I ask you for your incredible generosity. You are capable, and I am not. You and I don’t know. And you are the world of the unseen.
O Allah, if you see the good of the religion and the world and the good of the end of my work in this matter (and mention that matter in this place), make it a destiny for me and make it easy for me and then make it a blessing for me. And if your knowledge of this issue is harmful to my religion and world and the end of my work, take it back from me and me from it. And grant me good wherever it may be, and please me with it. For more info about Istikhara Dua in English, click here!
Secrets of Istikhara Prayer
Reading the Istikhara prayer is a precious blessing from God for us; it is an opportunity to beg God and wish for divine guidance. Istikhara prayer is a gift for all Muslims, but unfortunately, many people do not realize this fact. They seek advice from friends, acquaintances, and parents, but they do not realize that by performing the Istikhara prayer, they seek God’s approval and the good of their work.
It is necessary to ask God for guidance and success. If you don’t get peace of mind after one Istikhara prayer, repeat the Istikhara prayer and every time humbly and humbly, with pure intention and humility, ask God to open your heart to the right decision. It is better to pay attention to Istikhara time in addition to praying Istikhara.
I will start this conversation by recalling a blessed hadith regarding the Istikhara prayer and a verse from the Holy Word that invites us to trust in the merciful God. The happiness of the children of Adam lies in being satisfied with what God has ordained for them, and their misfortune is in the lack of Istikhara and dissatisfaction with what God has ordained for them.
