Salat al-Istikhara: How to Perform the Prayer for Guidance (Step-by-Step Sunnah Guide)
And whoever puts his trust in Allāh — then He will suffice him.” (Qur’an 65:3)Salat al-Istikhara (Salat Istikhara) is the Prophetic way of seeking Allah’s guidance when deciding between permissible options. This Sunnah-prayer brings clarity, reliance (tawakkul), and tranquility of heart—helping the believer choose what is best in both deen and dunya.
What is Istikhara?
Istikhara (الاستخارة) literally means “seeking the best (from Allāh)”. Salat Istikhara is the Sunnah of performing two rakʿahs of voluntary prayer and making the prescribed duʿāʼ asking Allāh to guide one to what is best. It is for any permissible matter in which a believer faces a choice — from marriage and work to business and travel.Proofs & Virtues
The practice is established in the Sunnah where the Prophet ﷺ taught the companions the Istikhara prayer “for all matters” as he taught them parts of the Qur’an (Sahih al-Bukhari). Scholars of the Salaf and later jurists praised it for increasing reliance and bringing peace of heart.Quick benefits
- Tranquility of heart when making decisions.
- Clearer priorities as Allah directs the affairs.
- Avoiding regret by entrusting outcomes to Allāh.
How to Perform Istikhara
- Make wudu (purity) as for any prayer.
- Intend in your heart to perform two rakʿahs of nafl for Istikhara.
- Pray two rakʿahs (any voluntary prayer will do).
- Recite the Duʿāʾ of Istikhara after the prayer — mention your matter clearly in your heart or words:
Duʿāʾ (shortened transliteration):
Allāhumma innī astakhīruka biʿilmika, wa astaqdiruka biqudratika, wa asʾaluka min faḍlika al-ʿaẓīm…
(Invoke the full wording as in the hadith; include your specific affair: marriage, job, travel, etc.)
See the image below for full Dua.When & How Often
You may perform Istikhara for any permissible matter when unsure. There is no hard limit to repetitions — if you remain uncertain you may repeat — but pair supplication with sincere effort: research, consultation (shura), and wise reasoning.Recognizing the Outcome
Answers to Istikhara come in many forms:- Ease or facilitation toward one option (doors open, matters simplify).
- Obstacles or closure for an option — a sign that it may not be best.
- Peace of heart inclining you toward a decision.
Note: Dreams can occur but are not guaranteed; they are not the primary proof of acceptance.
Common Misunderstandings
| Misunderstanding | Clarification |
|---|---|
| Istikhara forces Allāh to do what I want | No — it asks Allāh to guide to the best; you still use reason and take lawful steps. |
| One must have a dream | Dreams are possible but not guaranteed nor required. |
| Only for big matters | Prophetic practice permits it “in all matters”; small matters are included if you’re unsure. |
“Seek Allāh’s guidance in all matters — for He knows what you do not, and He is the Best of Planners.”
“Prayer + action = reliance that leads to contentment.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a woman perform Istikhara during menses?
- Yes — she may make the duʿāʼ. If unable to perform the two-rakʿah prayer, she can supplicate sincerely.
- How soon should I act after Istikhara?
- Act after combining Istikhara with proper consultation and assessment. If the path becomes facilitated, that is a sign to proceed; otherwise seek more evidence.
- Is repeating Istikhara many times bad?
- Repeating is allowed, but avoid perpetual indecision — gather evidence and consult trusted scholars or mentors when stuck.
Related reading at IQS
References
- Qur’an: Surah At-Talaq 65:3 (reliance on Allāh).
- Hadith: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī — Jabir ibn ʿAbdullāh: instruction of Istikhara (see Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī on Istikhara).
May Allāh guide us to what is best, make our hearts tranquil, and make our choices a means of benefit in this life and the next. آمين.
Published by Institute of Quran & Sunnah — Bangalore · Get Guidance
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