"The Messenger of Allah used to teach his Companions to perform Istikharah in all matters, just as he used to teach them Surahs from the Qur'an. He said: 'If any one of you is deliberating about a decision he has to make, then let him pray two Rak'ahs of non-obligatory prayer, then say: Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi 'ilmika wa astaqdiruka bi qudratika wa as'aluka min fadlika, fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdir, wa ta'lamu wa la a'lam, wa anta 'allam al-ghuyub. Allahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna hadhal-amra khayrun li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa aqibati amri faqdurhu li wa yassirhu li thumma barik li fihi. Allahumma, wa in kunta ta'lamu annahu sharrun li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa 'aqibati amri fasrifhu 'anni wasrifni 'anhu waqdur li al-khayr haythu kana, thumma radini bihi. (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 have none. And You know, I know not. You are the Knower of hidden things. O Allah, if in Your knowledge, this matter (then it should be mentioned by name) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood and my affairs (or: 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 me and for my religion, my livelihood and my affairs (or: for me both in this world and the next), 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.)"
The Book of Marriage - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3253
This narration from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) concerning Salat al-Istikharah represents a comprehensive spiritual methodology for seeking divine guidance in all matters of importance, particularly those pertaining to marriage and other significant life decisions.
Theological Foundations of Istikharah
The prayer begins with affirming Allah's absolute knowledge (bi 'ilmika) and power (bi qudratika), establishing the fundamental Islamic principle of tawhid. This recognition that only Allah possesses complete knowledge and power humbles the supplicant and prepares the heart to accept whatever outcome Allah decrees.
The phrase "You have power, I have none. And You know, I know not" embodies the proper relationship between the Creator and creation, where the Muslim acknowledges their limited capacity and understanding compared to Allah's infinite wisdom and capability.
Comprehensive Scope of the Prayer
The prayer comprehensively covers all aspects of human welfare: religious affairs (dini), worldly livelihood (ma'ashi), and ultimate consequences ('aqibati amri). This demonstrates Islam's holistic approach to life where spiritual and worldly matters are interconnected.
The repetition of "in kunta ta'lamu" (if You know) emphasizes that the outcome depends entirely on Allah's knowledge rather than human perception or desire, teaching complete reliance (tawakkul) upon the Divine Decree.
Practical Implementation
The two rak'ahs of non-obligatory prayer serve to purify the heart and focus the mind before making the supplication. The Prophet's comparison to teaching Qur'an surahs indicates the fundamental importance of Istikharah in a Muslim's spiritual life.
The final request "thumma radini bihi" (then make me pleased with it) is particularly profound, as it seeks contentment with Allah's decree regardless of whether it aligns with one's initial preferences, demonstrating perfect submission to divine wisdom.