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Photo illustration: prayer for istikhara
Istikhara is a prayer for guidance when faced with important decisions. It involves two units of prayer (rakats) followed by a supplication asking Allah for clarity and the best outcome. The intention should be pure and specific, focusing on the matter at hand. After performing the prayer, one should trust in Allah's wisdom and remain open to signs or feelings that may guide the decision-making process.
Prayer For Istikhara
istikhara prayer for guidance
Istikhara is a special prayer in Islam for seeking guidance from Allah when making a decision. Here is a brief outline of how to perform it:
1. **Make Niyyah (Intention)**: Before starting the prayer, make the intention in your heart for seeking guidance.
2. **Pray Two Rak'ahs**: Perform two units (rak'ahs) of voluntary prayer.
3. **Recite the Istikhara Dua**: After completing the prayer, recite the Istikhara supplication. Here's the translation of the dua:
"O Allah, I seek Your guidance by Your knowledge, and I seek Your assistance by Your power, and I ask You from Your immense favor, for indeed, You have power and I do not have power, and You know and I do not know, and You are the Knower of the unseen. If You know that this matter (mention your need or decision here) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs, then decree it for me, facilitate it for me, and bless me in it. But if You know that it is bad for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs, then divert it from me and divert me from it, and decree for me what is good wherever it may be, and make me pleased with it."
4. **Trust in Allah**: After performing Istikhara, have faith that Allah will guide you to what is best, and look for signs or clarity in your decision-making.
May Allah guide you in your choices.
how to perform istikhara prayer
Istikhara is a special prayer for seeking guidance from Allah when faced with a decision. Here's how to perform Istikhara prayer:
1. **Make Intention**: Before praying, have a sincere intention in your heart to seek guidance from Allah.
2. **Perform Ablution**: Begin by performing Wudu (ablution) to purify yourself.
3. **Pray Two Rak'ahs**: Offer two voluntary (non-obligatory) rak'ahs of prayer. You can recite any Surah after Surah Al-Fatiha in each rak'ah.
4. **Recite Istikhara Du'a**: After completing the prayer, recite the Istikhara supplication (du'a). The traditional du'a is as follows:
**Arabic**:
llWahumWa inWiy 'astakhiyruka bi`ilmika, wa'astakhdiyka biqudratika, wa'as'aluka min faDlika l`aZiymi, fainWaka taqdiru wala 'aqdiru, wata`lamu wala 'a`lamu, wa'anta `alWamu lGuyuwbi. llWahumWa in kunta ta`lamu 'anWa hadha l'amra (mention the matter) khayrun lWiy fy diyny wama`ashiy wa`aqiba@i 'amriy, 'aw qala: `ajili 'amriy waajilihi, faqdurhu liy wayasWirhu liy, thumWa barik liy fiyhi. wain kunta ta`lamu 'anWahu sharWun lWiy fy diyny wama`ashiy wa`aqiba@i 'amriy, 'aw qala: `ajili 'amriy waajilihi, faSarifhu `anWiy waSrifniy `anhu, waqdur liya lkhayra Haythu kana thumWa 'arDiniy.
**Transliteration**:
Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi'ilmika, wa asta'dhika biqudratika, wa asaluka min fadlika al-azim, fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdiru, wa ta'lamu wa la a'lamu, wa anta 'allam al-ghuyub. Allahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna hadha al-amr (mention the matter) khayrun li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa 'aqibati amri, aw qala: ajili amri wa ajilihi, faqdurhu li wa yassirhu li, thumma barik li fihi. Wa in kunta ta'lamu annahu sharun li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa 'aqibati amri, aw qala: ajili amri wa ajilihi, fasrifh 'anni wa asrifni 'anhu, waqdur li al-khayra haythu kana thumma ardini.
5. **Trust in Allah**: After making the du'a, have faith that Allah will guide you to what is best. You may feel a sense of clarity or peace regarding your decision in the following days.
There are no specific signs for Istikhara. It's recommended to act upon whatever you feel inclined towards after performing the prayer, while continuing to seek Allah's guidance.
istikhara prayer for marriage decision
Here's a simple version of the Istikhara prayer that you can recite when seeking guidance for a marriage decision:
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**Istikhara Prayer**
1. Begin by performing two units of voluntary prayer (Tahiyyat al-Sunnah).
2. After completing the prayer, raise your hands and say:
**Supplication:**
"**Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi'ilmika, wa astaqdiruka biqdratika, wa asaluka min fadlika al-'azim. Fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdiru, wa ta'lamu wa la a'lamu, wa anta 'allamul ghuyub. Allahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna hadha al-amr khayrun li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa aqibati amri, faqdurhu li wa yassirhu li, thumma barik li fihi. Wa in kunta ta'lamu anna hadha al-amr sharun li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa aqibati amri, fasrifhu 'anni wasrifni 'anhu, waqdur li al-khayr haythu kana thumma ardini.**"
(Translation: "O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge, and I seek Your assistance through Your power, and I ask You for Your immense bounty. For indeed, You have power and I do not have power, and You know and I do not know, and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter (mention whatever you are considering, such as marriage to a specific individual) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and in my affairs, then decree it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. But if You know that this matter is harmful to me in my religion, my livelihood, and in 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 pleased with it.")
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After reciting the prayer and supplication, have faith that Allah will guide you towards the right decision, and be open to signs or feelings that may help you make your choice.
istikhara prayer for job opportunities
Istikhara is a special prayer for seeking guidance from Allah in making decisions, including job opportunities. Here is a simple way to perform Istikhara for a job:
1. **Perform Two Rakats of Prayer (Salah)**: Begin with two voluntary units of prayer.
2. **Make Your Intention**: After completing the prayer, raise your hands and turn to Allah with sincere intention.
3. **Supplication**: Recite the Istikhara Dua. Here is the English translation:
"O Allah, I seek Your guidance with Your knowledge and seek ability from Your might, and I ask You for Your immense favor, for You have power and I do not have power, and You know and I do not know. You are the Knower of the unseen. If You know that this matter (mention the job opportunity or decision) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my outcome, then decree it for me, and make it easy for me, and bless me in it. But if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my outcome, then turn it away from me, and turn me away from it, and decree for me what is better wherever it may be, and make me pleased with it."
4. **Trust in Allah**: After making the prayer, trust in Allah's guidance and be open to the opportunities that come your way.
May Allah grant you clarity and the best of outcomes in your job search.
istikhara prayer to seek clarity
Here is a brief guide on how to perform the Istikhara prayer to seek clarity:
1. **Make a sincere intention**: Before you begin, have a clear and sincere intention in your heart about the decision or matter for which you are seeking guidance.
2. **Pray two units of prayer (Rak'ahs)**: Perform two Rak'ahs of voluntary prayer. In the first Rak'ah, after reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, you may choose to recite any Surah (commonly Surah Al-Kafirun) and in the second Rak'ah, after Al-Fatiha, you might recite any Surah (commonly Surah Al-Ikhlas).
3. **Invoke the Istikhara supplication**: After completing the two Rak'ahs, recite the Istikhara dua. Here's a commonly recited version:
**Arabic:**
llaWhumaW iniWy stakhiyruka bi`ilmika, wastaqdiruka biqudratika, was'aluka min faDlika l`aZiymi, fanaWka taqdiru wala 'aqdiru, wata`lamu wala 'a`lamu, wa'nta `alaWmu lGuyuwbi. llaWhumaW in kunta ta`lamu 'anaW hadha l'amra khayrun liWy fiy diyniy wama`ashiy wa`aqiba@i 'amriy 'w sharunW liy fiy diyniy wama`ashiy wa`aqiba@i 'amriy, faqdurhu liy wayasiWrhu liy thumaW brik liy fiyhi, wain kunta ta`lamu 'anaWhu sharunW liy fiy diyniy wama`ashiy wa`aqiba@i 'amriy, faSrifhu `aniWy waSrifniy `anhu waqdur liy lkhayra Haythu kana thumaW arDiniy.**
**Transliteration:**
Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi'ilmika, wa astaqdiruka biqudratika, wa asaluka min fadlika al-azeem, fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdiru, wa ta'lamu wa la a'lam, wa anta 'allamul ghuyub. Allahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna hadha al-amra khayrun li fi deeni wa ma'ashi wa a'qibati amri aw sharun li fi deeni wa ma'ashi wa a'qibati amri, faqdurhu li wa yassirhu li thumma barik li fihi, wa in kunta ta'lamu annahu sharun li fi deeni wa ma'ashi wa a'qibati amri, fasrifhu anni wa asrifni 'anhu wa aqdur li al-khayra haythu kan thumma ardini.
4. **Trust in Allah's guidance**: After making the dua, have faith that Allah will guide you towards what is best. Look for signs or inner peace regarding your decision.
5. **Follow through**: Be attentive to your feelings or experiences in the following days, and trust that Allah will clarify your path.
May you find the clarity you seek!
istikhara prayer for difficult choices
Istikhara is a prayer for guidance when facing difficult decisions. Here's a simple way to perform Istikhara:
1. **Perform Wudu (ablution)**: It's preferable to be in a state of cleanliness.
2. **Pray Two Rak'ahs**: Offer two units of prayer (Rak'ahs) sincerely.
3. **Make the Istikhara Dua**: After completing the prayer, recite the Istikhara supplication. The commonly used dua is:
"O Allah, I seek Your guidance (in making a decision) with Your knowledge, and I seek ability from You with Your might, and I ask You for Your immense grace, for You have power, whereas I do not have power; You know, while I do not know, and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter (mention your need) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my end, then decree it for me and make it easy for me. If You know that it is bad for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my end, 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 pleased with it."
4. **Trust in Allah**: After making the dua, trust in Allah's wisdom. Be attentive to any signs, feelings, or inclinations that may guide you.
May Allah guide you in your decision.
benefits of istikhara prayer
Istikhara prayer is a special supplication in Islam that is performed when seeking guidance from Allah regarding a decision or choice. Here are some benefits of performing Istikhara:
1. **Divine Guidance**: Istikhara allows Muslims to seek Allah's wisdom and guidance in making important decisions, which can lead to better outcomes.
2. **Clarity of Mind**: By turning to Allah in prayer, individuals may find clarity and peace in their thoughts, helping them to better understand their options.
3. **Satisfaction of Heart**: After performing Istikhara, many people report a sense of comfort or resolution about their decision, regardless of the outcome.
4. **Trust in Allah's Plan**: It reinforces faith in Allah's knowledge and plan for one's life, encouraging reliance on divine wisdom instead of solely on personal judgment.
5. **Removal of Doubts**: It helps alleviate uncertainties and fears about the future, allowing individuals to make choices with confidence.
6. **Encouragement of Reflection**: The act of performing Istikhara involves contemplating the decision, which can lead to deeper personal reflection and insight.
7. **Strengthening of Faith**: Engaging in Istikhara deepens one's relationship with Allah and enhances spiritual awareness.
By incorporating Istikhara into decision-making, individuals can cultivate a sense of peace and reliance on divine guidance in their lives.
istikhara prayer before making decisions
Istikhara is a prayer for seeking guidance from Allah when making difficult decisions. Here's a brief outline of how to perform the Istikhara prayer:
1. **Make Intention**: First, have a sincere intention in your heart regarding the decision you are about to make.
2. **Pray Two Rak'ahs**: Perform two units of voluntary prayer (Rak'ahs) with the intention of seeking guidance.
3. **Recite the Istikhara Dua**: After completing the prayer, recite the following du'a:
**Arabic:**
llWahumWa inWiy stkhyruka bi`ilmika, wstqdiruka biqudratika, ws'aluka min faDlika l`Zymi, fnWaka taqdiru wala 'aqdiru, wta`lamu wala 'a`lamu, w'nta `lWamu lGywbi. llWahumWa n knta t`lmu 'nWa hdh l'mra khyrun ly fy diyny wm`shiy w`aqiba@i 'mry 'w ql `jli 'mry wajilih, fqdurh ly wysWirh ly, wn knta t`lmu 'nWa hdh l'mr sharun ly fy diyny wm`shiy w`aqiba@i 'mry 'w ql `jli 'mry wajilih, fSrfh `ny wSrfny `nh, wqdr ly lkhyr Hyth kn, thm rDny.
**Transliteration:**
Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi 'ilmika, wa astaqdiruka bi qudratika, wa as'aluka min fadhlika al-'azeem, fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdiru, wa ta'lamu wa la a'lamu, wa anta allamul ghuyub. Allahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna hadha al-amra khayrun li fi dini wa ma'aashi wa 'aaqibati amri aw qala ajili amri wa ajilihi, faqdurhu li wa yassirhu li, wa in kunta ta'lamu anna hadha al-amra sharrun li fi dini wa ma'aashi wa 'aaqibati amri aw qala ajili amri wa ajilihi, fasrifhu 'anni wa asrifni 'anhu, waqdur li al-khayra haythu kan, thumma ardini.
4. **Trust in Allah's Guidance**: After performing this prayer, have faith in Allah's plan. You may find clarity in your feelings, signs, or circumstances that guide your decision.
It's important to perform Istikhara sincerely and patiently await guidance.
istikhara prayer for financial issues
Istikhara is a prayer for seeking guidance from Allah in making a decision. Here's a simple way to perform Istikhara for financial issues:
1. **Make Wudu**: Perform ablution to ensure you are spiritually clean.
2. **Pray Two Rakat**: Offer two units of prayer (Salah) with the intention of seeking guidance.
3. **Recite the Istikhara Dua**: After completing the prayer, recite the following supplication:
**Arabic**:
llaWhumaW iniWy stkhyruka b`lmika, wstqdiruka bqudratika, wslka mn faDlika l`Zymi, fnaWka taqdiru wl qdiru, wta`lamu wl `lamu, wnta `lmu lGywbi, llaWhumaW n knta t`lmu 'naW hdh l'mra khyrun ly fy dyny wm`shy, w`qb@ 'mry 'w ql `jlihi wajilihi, fqdurh ly wysiWrh ly, thm brka ly fyh, wn knta t`lmu 'n hdh l'mra sharunW ly fy dyny wm`shy, w`qb@i 'mry 'w ql `jlihi wajilihi, fSrfh `ny, wSrfny `nh, wqdr ly lkhyr Hyth kn, thm rDny.
**Translation**:
"O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge, and I seek Your help through Your power, and I ask You from Your great bounty, for indeed, You have power and I do not, and You know and I do not, and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter (mention your issue or decision here) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs, then ordain it for me and make it easy for me, and bless me in it. But if You know that this matter is harmful for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs, then turn it away from me and turn me away from it, and ordain for me what is good wherever it may be, and make me pleased with it."
4. **Trust in Allah**: After making the prayer, trust in Allah's decision and watch for signs that may guide you in your situation.
May Allah grant you ease and clarity in your financial matters.
istikhara prayer for health concerns
Here's a short Istikhara prayer for health concerns:
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**In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.**
O Allah, I turn to You in my time of need. I seek Your guidance regarding my health concerns. Please grant me clarity and wisdom to recognize the best course of action. If healing is in my best interest, make it easy for me and grant me strength. If not, I trust in Your plan and ask for patience and acceptance.
Ameen.
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Feel free to adapt this prayer to reflect your personal feelings and needs.
Istikhara, often referred to as the prayer for guidance, serves as a means for individuals seeking clarity in decisions and choices in life. This prayer involves two units of voluntary prayer followed by a specific supplication asking Allah for guidance towards the best path. Engaging in Istikhara can provide peace of mind, allowing you to feel more confident in your decisions, whether they pertain to personal matters, relationships, or significant life changes. The essence of Istikhara lies in surrendering your concerns to Allah, trusting that the outcome is aligned with what is best for you.