Dua e Istikhara

Dua e Istikhara

Dua e Istikhara (Arabic: دُعاء الاستخارة) is a special supplication made by Muslims when seeking guidance in making a decision or choosing between two or more alternatives. Istikhara, which means "seeking the best", is derived from the root word "Khair" (خير) in Arabic, which stands for goodness. The Dua e Istikhara, as described in Hadith sources, is a way for believers to seek guidance and blessings from Allah (God) when faced with uncertainty or indecision.

Background The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, "If any one of you is concerned about a decision he has to make, then let him pray two rak'ahs of non-obligatory prayer, then say the Dua e Istikhara." (Sahih al-Bukhari)

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from Allah in all matters, big or small. It indicates that one should not rely solely on personal judgment but should also seek divine guidance before proceeding with a decision.

The Prayer The procedure for performing Istikhara is simple:

Intention (Niyyah): Begin with the sincere intention that you are performing the two rak'ahs of prayer for the purpose of Istikhara.

Prayer (Salah): Pray two rak'ahs (units) of non-obligatory prayer.

Supplication (Dua): After the prayer, recite the Dua e Istikhara. The supplication is as follows:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ وَتَعْلَمُ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ وَأَنتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي أَوْ قَالَ عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي أَوْ قَالَ فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِي 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 do not have power. You know; I do not know. You are the Knower of hidden things. O Allah! If in Your knowledge, this matter (and here he mentions his need) is good for my religion, my livelihood and my affairs (or: 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 my religion, my livelihood and my affairs (or: for me both in this world and in the Hereafter), 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."

Interpretation It's important to note that after performing Istikhara, one might not necessarily witness a dream or a sign pointing them to a decision. Instead, Allah may make the heart of the individual lean towards one choice or another, or create events that facilitate a particular outcome. This subtle guidance is a testament to Allah's infinite wisdom and care for His believers.

In Modern Times While the tradition of Dua e Istikhara dates back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), it remains a widely practiced ritual among Muslims today. Many people turn to Istikhara when making decisions about marriage, career choices, business deals, or any other significant life events.

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