Du’a Al-Istikhara

Du’a (supplication) holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims, serving as a direct means of communication with Allah. Among the various supplications, Du’a al-Istikhara, the prayer for seeking guidance, is a specific supplication taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for seeking Allah’s guidance when faced with important decisions. It is recited after performing two units of voluntary prayer.

Hadith Evidence:

“قَالَ جَابِرُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ: كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ يُعَلِّمُنَا الِاسْتِخَارَةَ فِي الأُمُورِ كُلِّهَا كَمَا يُعَلِّمُنَا السُّورَةَ مِنَ القُرْآنِ”
“Jabir bin Abdullah said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to teach us the way of doing Istikhara in all matters as he taught us the Surahs of the Quran.”

The Du’a al-Istikhara

Arabic Text:

“اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي أَوْ قَالَ: عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ، فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي، ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي أَوْ قَالَ: فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ، فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ، ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي”

Translation:

“O Allah, I seek Your guidance [in making a choice] 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, I have none. And You know, I know not. You are the Knower of hidden things. O Allah, if in Your knowledge, this matter is good for me both in this world and in the Hereafter, then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if in Your knowledge, it is bad for me and for my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs, then turn it away from me, and turn me away from it, and ordain for me the good wherever it may be, and make me pleased with it.”

The Benefits of Du’a al-Istikhara

1. Divine Guidance: It helps believers seek Allah’s guidance in making the best decisions.
2. Peace of Mind: Provides reassurance and peace of mind, knowing that the decision is made with Allah’s wisdom.
3. Increased Faith: Strengthens the believer’s faith and reliance on Allah.
4. Clarity and Confidence: Offers clarity and confidence in moving forward with important life decisions.

Practical Steps to Perform Du’a al-Istikhara

1. Perform Wudu (Ablution): Ensure you are in a state of physical purity.
2. Pray Two Rakat (Units): Perform two units of voluntary prayer with the intention of seeking guidance.
3. Recite the Du’a: After completing the prayer, recite the Du’a al-Istikhara.
4. Reflect and Observe: Pay attention to your feelings and any signs from Allah regarding your decision.

Quranic and Hadith References:

• Quran: Surah Ghafir (40:60)
• Hadith: Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim