Jabir said, "The Prophet. may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to teach us the istikhara in matters just as if it was a sura of the Qur'an. He said, 'When someone is concerned about something, he should pray two rak'ats and then say, 'O Allah, I ask You for the good by Your knowledge and I ask You for strength by Your power and I ask You for some of Your immense abundant favour, You have the power and I do not. You know and I do not know. You are the Knower of the Unseen Worlds. O Allah, if You know that this affair is good for me in my deen, my livelihood and the end of my affair (or he said 'in the beginning of my affair') and its conclusion, then avert it from me and avert me from it. Decree for me the good wherever it is and then make me content." Then he should state what he needs.'"
The Excellence of Istikhara
The Prophet ﷺ taught this supplication with the same emphasis as teaching a Qur'anic chapter, indicating its profound importance in a Muslim's life. Istikhara is not merely about seeking guidance but about submitting one's will completely to Allah's divine decree.
The Comprehensive Nature of the Supplication
"O Allah, I ask You for the good by Your knowledge" - This acknowledges that only Allah possesses perfect knowledge of what is truly beneficial.
"I ask You for strength by Your power" - Recognizing human weakness and dependence on divine empowerment.
"I ask You for some of Your immense abundant favour" - Seeking from Allah's boundless generosity and mercy.
The Essence of Submission
"You have the power and I do not. You know and I do not know" - These words embody the essence of tawakkul (reliance on Allah), humbly admitting human limitations while affirming Allah's perfect attributes.
The supplication covers all aspects of life: religion (deen), livelihood (ma'ash), and ultimate outcomes, demonstrating Islam's comprehensive approach to guidance.
Practical Implementation
The format prescribed: two rak'ats of voluntary prayer followed by the specific supplication, then mentioning one's particular need.
The concluding request for contentment with Allah's decree is crucial - true success lies in being pleased with whatever Allah chooses for us.
Scholarly Insights
Classical scholars emphasize that Istikhara is not about receiving dreams or clear signs, but about Allah directing one's heart toward what is best. After performing Istikhara, one should proceed with what feels right, trusting that Allah has guided the decision.
This teaching from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 703 illustrates the beautiful balance between human effort and divine guidance in Islamic tradition.