When making important life decisions, turning to divine guidance is a deeply rooted practice in Islamic tradition. Istikhara, accompanied by the Istakharay ki Dua, is a powerful and respected practice. In this guide, we’ll explore its significance, how to perform it, and debunk common myths surrounding this sacred Sunnah.
Key Points
- 1 What Is Istikhara Prayer In Islam?
- 2 What Is Istikhara ki Dua In Islam?
- 3 How To Do Istikhara?
- 4 How To Pray Istikhara Dua For Marriage
- 5 How To Do Istikhara For Business / Job
- 6 Result of Istikhara
- 7 Short Dua e Istikhara
- 8 Myths, Misconceptions, And False Beliefs About Istikhara
- 9 Summary
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What Is Istikhara Prayer In Islam?
In the rich fabric of Islamic practices, Istikhara is a thread woven by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself. It’s a prayer to seek Allah’s guidance when making important life decisions, such as those related to marriage, business, or career.
Is Istikhara is Sunnah?
Certainly, Istikhara is a Sunnah, a practice deeply embedded in the traditions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. As narrated by Hazrat Jabir رضي الله عنه, the Prophet used to teach Istikhara to his companions, emphasizing its significance alongside the teachings of the Quran Pak. This underscores its importance in the eyes of the Prophet ﷺ, solidifying its status as a Sunnah.
Does Istikhara Works?
The power of Istikhara doesn’t lie in predicting the future but in seeking Allah’s blessings and guidance. It aligns intentions with Allah’s will, bringing clarity and contentment. Results may be felt as a heartfelt inclination, satisfaction, or changes in circumstances.
What Is Istikhara ki Dua In Islam?
Istikhara revolves around a heartfelt du’a, establishing a direct connection between the seeker and Allah. Let’s explore the Istikhara ki Dua in Arabic, Urdu/Hindi, and English.
Iskikhara ki Dua In Arabic
إِذَا هَمَّ أَحَدُكُمْ بِالأَمْرِ فَلْيَرْكَعْ رَكْعَتَيْنِ مِنْ غَيْرِ الْفَرِيضَةِ ثُمَّ لِيَقُلِ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُ وَأَنْتَ عَلاَّمُ الْغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي ـ أَوْ قَالَ عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ ـ فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي ـ أَوْ قَالَ فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ ـ فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِي الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي بِهِ ـ قَالَ ـ وَيُسَمِّي حَاجَتَهُ
(Source)
This Arabic prayer reflects a humble plea to Allah, acknowledging His knowledge, power, and seeking His immense grace.
Iskikhara Dua In Urdu/Hindi
اے اللہ! میں تیرے علم سے ہدایت اور تیری قدرت سے قدرت مانگتا ہوں اور تجھ سے بڑی نعمتوں کا سوال کرتا ہوں، تو قادر ہے اور میں نہیں، تو جانتا ہے اور میں نہیں جانتا اور تو غیب جانتا ہے، اے اللہ! اگر تو جانتا ہے۔ کہ یہ کام میرے دین اور میری روزی اور میری آخرت کے لیے بہتر ہے – (یا کہا: اگر یہ میری موجودہ اور بعد کی ضرورتوں کے لیے بہتر ہے) – تو تو نے اسے میرے لیے مقدر کر دیا اور میرے لیے آسان کر دیا، اور پھر مجھے اس میں برکت عطا فرما، اور اگر تو جانتا ہے کہ یہ کام میرے لیے میرے دین و رزق اور آخرت میں نقصان دہ ہے- (یا کہا: اگر یہ میری موجودہ اور بعد کی ضرورتوں کے لیے زیادہ خراب ہے) تو اس سے دور رہو۔ مجھے اور مجھے اس سے دور کردے، اور میرے لیے جو کچھ میرے لیے بہتر ہو اس کا حکم دے، اور مجھے اس سے راضی کردے
In Urdu/Hindi, the du’a resonates with a profound desire to align one’s choices with Allah’s wisdom and power.
Iskikhara ki Dua In English
“O Allah! I ask guidance from Your knowledge, And Power from Your Might and I ask for Your great blessings. You are capable and I am not. You know and I do not and You know the unseen. O Allah! If You know that this job is good for my religion and my subsistence and in my Hereafter–(or said: If it is better for my present and later needs)–Then You ordain it for me and make it easy for me to get, And then bless me in it, and if You know that this job is harmful to me In my religion and subsistence and in the Hereafter–(or said: If it is worse for my present and later needs)–Then keep it away from me and let me be away from it. And ordain for me whatever is good for me, And make me satisfied with it”
(Source)
The English rendition maintains the essence of the original Arabic, emphasizing the seeker’s dependence on Allah’s wisdom and blessings.
How To Do Istikhara?
Navigating the steps of Istikhara involves a thoughtful and sincere process. Let’s break down the steps to perform this sacred act.
Steps to Perform Ishikhara
- Istishara (Consultation with an Expert): Seek advice from knowledgeable individuals, following the Sunnah of seeking counsel.
- Make Istikhara Niyat: Set your intention for Istikhara, expressing your desire for Allah’s guidance in the decision at hand.
- Perform Istikhara Prayer: Offer two rakat nafl prayers, following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, signifying your submission to Allah’s will.
- Read Istikhara Dua: Recite the Istikhara du’a sincerely, including the specifics of your decision.
- Sleep After Istikhara (Optional): While not mandatory, resting after Istikhara is recommended, allowing for a focused mind and potential signs in dreams.
How To Pray Istikhara Dua For Marriage
For those considering the path of marriage, Istikhara becomes a crucial step in ensuring a union blessed by Allah. Let’s outline the steps for performing Marriage Istikhara.
Steps for Marriage Istikhara
- Seek Guidance: Consult with those knowledgeable in marital matters, aligning with the Sunnah of seeking advice.
- Make Istikhara Niyat: Set your intention for Marriage Istikhara, expressing your desire for Allah’s guidance in the decision to marry.
- Perform Istikhara Prayer: After Wazu, offer two rakat nafl, following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, symbolizing your submission to Allah’s will.
- Read Marriage Istikhara Dua: Recite the Istikhara du’a with sincerity, incorporating the specifics of your decision to marry.
- Seek Signs or Feelings: After Istikhara, observe your feelings and pay attention to any signs that may guide you in your decision-making.
By following these steps, you seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for a harmonious and blessed marital journey.
How To Do Istikhara For Business / Job
For those entering the realms of business or employment, Istikhara offers a compass for navigating these significant life choices.
Steps for Job / Business Istekhara
Certainly, here are the steps for performing Job/Business Istikhara:
- Consultation (Istishara): Seek advice from knowledgeable individuals in the field of employment or business, following the Sunnah of seeking counsel.
- Set Intention (Niyat): Clearly express your intention for Istikhara, seeking Allah’s guidance in the decision related to the job or business venture.
- Perform Istikhara Prayer: Offer two rakat nafl prayers, in accordance with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, symbolizing your submission to Allah’s will.
- Recite Istikhara Dua: Recite the Istikhara du’a sincerely, incorporating the specifics of your decision into the prayer.
- Reflect on Feelings and Signs: After Istikhara, reflect on your feelings and be attentive to any signs or guidance that may help in your decision-making regarding the job or business.
By following these steps, you seek Allah’s guidance for a successful and beneficial journey in the realms of employment or business.
Result of Istikhara
Understanding Istikhara’s outcome needs a nuanced view. While dreams may give insight, the real result is in aligning your heart with the decision. Istikhara isn’t predicting the future; it’s seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings.
Short Dua e Istikhara
For those seeking a quick solution, a brief Istikhara du’a is a powerful supplication.
Istikhara Dua in Arabic:
اللّٰہُمَّ خِرۡلیِ وَا خۡتَرۡلیِ
Allahumma Khirlee Wakhtarlee
Istikhara Dua English Translation:
O Allah! Make it good for me and choose for me.
Myths, Misconceptions, And False Beliefs About Istikhara
Dispelling prevalent misconceptions is crucial to appreciate the true essence of Istikhara.
Myth: Istikhara Predicts the Future
Istikhara is not a crystal ball; it is a means of seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings in the present.
Myth: Istikhara Results in Prophetic Dreams
While dreams may offer insight, Istikhara results are more about the alignment of your heart than prophetic dreams.
Myth: Piousness is Required for Istikhara
Istikhara is for every Muslim, emphasizing Allah’s mercy and guidance for all, regardless of their perceived piety.
Myth: Istikhara is Exclusively for Marriage
Contrary to popular belief, Istikhara is applicable to all life decisions, not exclusively reserved for matrimonial choices.
Summary
In the fabric of Islamic practices, Istikhara stands out as a guiding light, bringing comfort and clarity in life’s complexities. It’s a Sunnah deeply rooted in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, highlighting the profound connection between the seeker and Allah.
In conclusion, Istikhara is a profound act of seeking divine guidance, rooted in the teachings of Islam and exemplified by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. By understanding its essence, performing it with sincerity, and dispelling misconceptions, believers can navigate life’s journey with a heart aligned with the divine will.
