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How do I perform the Istikhara prayer?

What Is Istikhara Prayer and How to Perform It?

Istikhara prayer is a special voluntary (nafilah) prayer that a Muslim performs when they are in doubt or confused about a decision, whether personal, professional, or otherwise. Here are the steps to perform Istikhara:

How to Perform Istikhara Prayer

  1. Intention (Niyyah): Decide in your heart that you want to perform the Istikhara prayer and seek guidance from Allah regarding your decision.
  2. Takbir (Opening Statement): Begin the prayer by saying “Allahu Akbar.”
  3. Seeking Refuge & Fatiha: Seek protection from Satan and recite Surah Al-Fatiha.
  4. Sending Blessings on the Prophet: Recite Salawat (prayers upon the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him).
  5. Istikhara Supplication: After sending blessings upon the Prophet, pray as follows:

“O Allah! You know, and You are all-powerful. I seek Istikhara by Your knowledge and ask for Your help by Your power, and I seek Your great favor. You have power, I do not. You know, I do not. You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if this matter is good for my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs, decree it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it. But if this matter is bad for my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs, 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.”

  1. Qunut (Optional Supplication): After the du’a, you may perform qunut and ask Allah for your needs.
  2. Salam: End the prayer by turning your head to the right and left and saying salam.
  3. Trust in Allah: After the prayer, trust that Allah will guide you to what is best and be ready to accept His guidance.

Tip: You can perform Istikhara at any time of the day. It is recommended to be in a state of purity and face the Qiblah if possible.

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