The Prophet (p.b.u.h) used to teach us the way of doing Istikhara (Istikhara means to ask Allah to guide one to the right sort of action concerning any job or a deed), in all matters as he taught us the Suras of the Qur'an. He said, "If anyone of you thinks of doing any job he should offer a two rak`at prayer other than the compulsory ones and say (after the prayer): -- 'Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi'ilmika, Wa astaqdiruka bi-qudratika, Wa as'alaka min fadlika Al-`azlm Fa-innaka taqdiru Wala aqdiru, Wa ta'lamu Wala a'lamu, Wa anta 'allamu l-ghuyub. Allahumma, in kunta ta'lam anna hadha-lamra Khairun li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa'aqibati `Amri (or 'ajili `Amri wa'ajilihi) Faqdirhu wa yas-sirhu li thumma barik li Fihi, Wa in kunta ta'lamu anna hadha-lamra shar-run li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa'aqibati `Amri (or fi'ajili `Amri wa ajilihi) Fasrifhu anni was-rifni anhu. Waqdir li al-khaira haithu kana Thumma ardini bihi.' (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). The Prophet (ﷺ) added that then the person should name (mention) his need.
The Excellence of Istikhara
The Prophet (ﷺ) taught Istikhara with the same care and precision as he taught the Qur'an, demonstrating its paramount importance in a Muslim's life. This indicates that seeking divine guidance should be as fundamental to believers as their recitation of the Holy Book.
The Method of Istikhara
One must perform two non-obligatory rak'ahs of prayer, then recite the specific supplication. The prayer should be offered with full presence of heart and mind, seeking only Allah's pleasure and guidance.
The Wisdom Behind the Supplication
The supplication begins by acknowledging Allah's perfect knowledge and power while recognizing human limitation. This establishes the proper relationship between the servant and the Lord - complete dependence on divine wisdom.
The petitioner asks for what is good in religion, worldly affairs, and ultimate consequence, demonstrating that true benefit encompasses all aspects of life, both immediate and eternal.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that Istikhara is recommended for all matters, whether major or minor, when one is uncertain. The "naming of one's need" means specifying the matter in heart during the supplication.
Classical scholars emphasize that after performing Istikhara, one should proceed with what feels most comfortable and right, trusting that Allah will guide the heart toward the best outcome.
Key Benefits
Istikhara cultivates reliance on Allah rather than personal judgment alone. It brings peace to the heart and protects from regret. The practice transforms ordinary decisions into acts of worship when performed with sincerity and trust in divine decree.