How to Do Istikhara (Prayer for Guidance)
Quick Overview
Istikhara is a prayer of guidance. When a Muslim is faced with an important decision, they pray 2 units of Nafl Salah and recite a specific Dua to seek Allah's guidance.
The 0 Fard (Obligatory) Acts
If any of these are missed, the Do is invalid.
- •Istikhara is entirely a Sunnah practice, not Fard. However, the 2 Rakats of prayer must fulfill the standard Faraid of any Salah.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1Perform Wudu
Perform a complete and perfect Wudu, as purity is a condition for the Salah.
Step 2Pray 2 Rakats (Nafl)
Offer 2 Rakats of voluntary (Nafl) prayer. It is Sunnah to recite Surah Al-Kafirun in the first Rakat and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second, though any Surah is permissible.
Step 3Praise Allah & Send Salawat
After finishing the prayer with Salam, raise your hands for Dua. Begin by praising Allah and sending peace and blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Step 4Recite the Istikhara Dua
Recite the specific Dua of Istikhara in Arabic. When you reach the part where you say 'hadhal-amr' (this matter), think of the specific decision you are trying to make.
Step 5Proceed with the Decision
After the Dua, proceed with the decision you feel most inclined towards. If it is good for you, Allah will make it easy. If it is bad, Allah will put obstacles in the way to protect you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Believing that you must see a dream after praying Istikhara (guidance often comes through inclination of the heart or circumstances).
- ✕Praying Istikhara for something haram or obligatory (you don't pray Istikhara to decide if you should pray Fajr).
- ✕Having someone else pray Istikhara on your behalf (it is a personal prayer between you and Allah).
Scriptural Basis
Hadith Context
"Jabir bin Abdullah said: The Prophet (PBUH) used to teach us the way of doing Istikhara in all matters as he taught us the Surahs of the Quran. (Bukhari)"