Understanding how to do Salat Istikhara is crucial for any Muslim seeking Allah’s guidance in making important life decisions. Whether choosing a spouse, deciding on a career path, or facing any significant choice, performing Salat Istikhara allows you to turn to Allah for clarity.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught his companions to perform Istikhara in all matters, emphasizing that entrusting our affairs to Allah brings peace and certainty. By learning the correct method of Salat Istikhara, we ensure that our decisions align with divine wisdom, leading to the best outcome in both this world and the Hereafter. In this article, we will answer all your questions about how to do salat istikhara dua in English.
As humans, our knowledge is limited, but Allah’s wisdom is absolute. In the Quran, He reminds us,
“Perhaps you dislike something, but it is good for you, and perhaps you love something, but it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you do not know.”
(Quran 2:216).
This verse perfectly captures the essence of Istikhara—submitting our desires to Allah’s infinite knowledge. Rather than relying solely on personal judgment, we seek divine clarity, trusting that whatever Allah decrees will ultimately be the best for us.
Why Salat Istikhara Matters
Life is full of decisions—choosing a spouse, career path, business investment, or relocating. Sometimes, we struggle to determine what is best for us. As Muslims, Allah has given us Salat Istikhara as a powerful tool of guidance. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“From the happiness of the son of Adam is his practice of Istikhara with Allah, and from his misery is his abandonment of Istikhara.”
(Musnad Ahmad 2785, Hasan by Al-Albani)
What Is Istikhara Dua?
Istikhara dua is a prayer taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to seek Allah’s guidance in making decisions. The term Istikhara comes from the Arabic root khayr, meaning goodness, signifying a request for what is best. Unlike common misconceptions, it is not about receiving visions or dreams but about submitting one’s choices to Allah and trusting His direction.
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged his companions to perform Istikhara prayer for all matters, not just major life decisions, stating,
“If any of you intends to undertake a matter, let him pray two rak‘ahs other than the obligatory prayer and then say (the Istikhara dua).”
This prayer reinforces a believer’s reliance on Allah’s wisdom, acknowledging human limitations and trusting that Allah will guide them to what is best.
What Salat Istikhara Is NOT
Salat Istikhara is not a mystical ritual that guarantees immediate answers through dreams or supernatural signs. Many mistakenly believe they must see a specific color or receive a vision after performing Istikhara, but no authentic hadith supports this. Instead, Istikhara is about trusting Allah, who guides through ease, clarity, and the natural course of events.
Additionally, Istikhara does not replace personal effort, research, or consultation (shura). The Prophet ﷺ sought counsel before making decisions, emphasizing the need for intellect alongside divine guidance. As Ibn Taymiyyah (رحمه الله) stated, “One who performs Istikhara should follow it with seeking advice from people of knowledge and experience.” Thus, Istikhara is a tool for decision-making, not a shortcut that bypasses thoughtful planning.
When Should You Do Salat Istikhara Dua?
Salat Istikhara dua should be performed whenever a Muslim faces an important decision and seeks Allah’s guidance. This includes major life choices such as marriage, business ventures, career changes, and education. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged believers to pray two rak‘ahs of non-obligatory prayer followed by the Istikhara dua when deliberating over a matter (Sahih al-Bukhari 1166). While it is often associated with major decisions, Istikhara can also be used for any situation where one feels uncertain, provided that sincere effort, research, and consultation have already been made.
However, Istikhara is not meant for trivial matters or obligations already commanded in Islam, such as prayer or fasting. It can be performed at any time except during the three prohibited periods: sunrise when the sun is at its zenith, and sunset. The best time for voluntary prayers, including Istikhara, is during the night or in the last third of the night when Allah’s mercy is most abundant.
When NOT to Perform Salat Istikhara Dua
While Salat Istikhara is a powerful means of seeking divine guidance, there are specific times and circumstances when it should not be performed. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ prohibited voluntary prayers, including Istikhara, during three periods: at sunrise (until the sun is fully above the horizon), at zenith (when the sun is at its highest point before Dhuhr), and at sunset (until the sun has fully disappeared). This prohibition is based on the hadith of Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (رضي الله عنه), where the Prophet ﷺ said,
“There is no prayer after Fajr until the sun has risen, and there is no prayer after Asr until the sun has set.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 586, Sahih Muslim 827).
Additionally, Istikhara should not be performed for matters already determined by Islamic law. Obligations such as fasting in Ramadan, performing the five daily prayers, or paying Zakat do not require Istikhara, as they are clear commands from Allah. Similarly, Istikhara is not meant for sinful actions or unjust matters, such as engaging in haram business or harming others.
Moreover, it should not replace personal effort, logical thinking, or consultation. Islam encourages informed decision-making through research and seeking advice before turning to Allah for final guidance. Relying solely on Istikhara without due diligence contradicts its true purpose.
Best Time to Perform Salat Istikhara Prayer
The best time to pray Salat Istikhara is during the night, especially in the last third of the night before Fajr. This period holds immense spiritual significance, as it is when Allah’s mercy descends, and supplications are most likely to be accepted. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Our Lord descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of the night and says:
‘Who is calling upon Me so that I may answer him? Who is asking of Me so that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?’”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1145, Sahih Muslim 758).
While Istikhara can be performed at any permissible time, doing so at night fosters greater sincerity and focus, free from daily distractions. Additionally, combining it with Tahajjud prayer strengthens one’s reliance on Allah, enhancing the impact of seeking His guidance.
However, if an urgent decision needs to be made, Salat Istikhara can be performed at any time outside the three prohibited periods: at sunrise, at zenith (midday), and sunset. In cases requiring immediate guidance, one should not delay Istikhara unnecessarily but perform it at the next available opportunity. Islam encourages seeking Allah’s help without hesitation, ensuring that important decisions are made with both spiritual conviction and practical wisdom.
How to Do Salat Istikhara Dua in English: Step-by-Step Guide
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Make a Sincere Intention (Niyyah)
Before performing Salat Istikhara, you must have a sincere intention to seek Allah’s guidance regarding a specific matter. The intention is made in the heart, and there is no need to verbalize it. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Verily, actions are judged by intentions, and every person will have what they intended.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1, Sahih Muslim 1907)
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Perform Wudu (Ablution) if Not Already in a State of Purity
Just like any other prayer, Istikhara requires the person to be in a state of ritual purity. You may learn how to perform Wudu according to the sunnah here. If you do not have wudu, perform it as instructed in the Quran:
“O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles.”
(Quran 5:6)
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Pray Two Rak‘ahs of Voluntary Prayer
Begin by praying two rak‘ahs (units) of non-obligatory prayer. In each rak‘ah, recite Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by any other Surah of your choice. Complete the rak‘ahs as you would in regular prayer, including the bowing (ruku‘) and prostrations (sujood), maintaining sincerity and focus throughout.
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Recite the Istikhara Dua After Completing the Prayer
After finishing the two rak‘ahs, recite the Istikhara dua as taught by the Prophet ﷺ. The dua should be recited sincerely, with full conviction that Allah will guide you to what is best.
Say this dua when you perform Salat istikhara prayer: Istikhara Dua Transliteration:
Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi ‘ilmika, wa astaqdiruka bi qudratika, wa as’aluka min fadlika al-‘azheem, fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdir, wa ta’lamu wa la a’lam, wa anta ‘allam al-ghuyoob. Allahumma in kunta ta’lamu anna hadha al-amr khayrun li fi deeni wa ma’ashi wa ‘aqibati amri – aw qala fi ‘ajili amri wa ajilihi – faqdurhu li, wa yassirhu li, thumma barik li fihi. Wa in kunta ta’lamu anna hadha al-amr sharrun li fi deeni wa ma’ashi wa ‘aqibati amri – aw qala fi ‘ajili amri wa ajilihi – fasrifhu ‘anni, wasrifni ‘anhu, waqdur li al-khayra haythu kana, thumma arddini.
Salat Istikhara Dua in English:
“O Allah, I seek Your guidance by Your knowledge, and I seek ability under Your power, and I ask You from Your immense favor. For You have power, while I have none, and You know, while I do not, and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs—then decree it for me, make it easy for me, and bless me in it.
But if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs—then 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 content with it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1166)
While reciting the dua, when you reach the phrase “هذا الأَمْرَ (this matter),” mention the specific matter for which you are seeking guidance.
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Trust Allah’s Decision and Observe Signs
After completing Istikhara, trust that Allah will guide you toward what is best. The answer may come in different ways, such as a feeling of peace or discomfort about the decision, a sequence of events that make the choice clearer, or an ease or difficulty in pursuing the matter. Regardless of how the guidance manifests, a believer should remain patient and rely on Allah’s wisdom, knowing that He will direct them toward what is truly beneficial.
Unlike popular misconceptions, a dream is not a necessary condition for Istikhara to be answered. The key is to observe how the situation unfolds and to trust in Allah’s decree.
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Repeat Istikhara If Needed
If you remain uncertain, you may repeat Salat Istikhara multiple times over a few days. Scholars such as Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn Hajar mention that repeating Istikhara.
Common Salat Istikhara Misconceptions to Avoid
While Salat Istikhara is a powerful means of seeking Allah’s guidance, many people misunderstand or misuse it. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when performing Istikhara:
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Expecting a Dream as the Only Answer
A widespread misconception is that Istikhara will always result in a dream that gives a clear answer. In reality, the response to Istikhara may come through ease or difficulty in pursuing the matter, a sense of peace or discomfort, or external circumstances unfolding in a certain way. The Prophet ﷺ never mentioned dreams as a condition for Istikhara’s answer.
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Seeking Signs Instead of Trusting Allah
Some people look for supernatural signs, colors, or numbers after performing Istikhara. However, the essence of Istikhara is trusting that Allah will guide events toward what is best. If something becomes easy and beneficial, it is a sign of acceptance; if it becomes difficult or unfavorable, it may be a sign to avoid it.
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Praying Istikhara Without Making an Effort
Istikhara is not a substitute for research, consultation, or rational decision-making. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged seeking advice from knowledgeable people (Shura) before making decisions. Istikhara should be accompanied by proper effort, planning, and reflection.
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Performing Istikhara for Forbidden (Haram) Matters
Istikhara is meant for matters that are permissible in Islam. One cannot perform Istikhara for something that is already haram (such as whether to engage in interest-based transactions or commit a sinful act). Allah has already made clear what is halal and haram in the Quran and Sunnah.
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Not Following the Proper Istikhara Method
Some people mistakenly think they can just recite the dua of Istikhara without praying the two rak‘ahs first. The correct method, as taught by the Prophet ﷺ, involves praying two rak‘ahs of voluntary prayer first, then reciting the Istikhara dua afterward.
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Impatience and Doubting Allah’s Decree
Many people perform Istikhara and expect an immediate response. However, Allah’s wisdom unfolds over time. If the answer is not clear right away, one should have patience and continue trusting Allah’s plan. Hastiness and doubt weaken the essence of Istikhara, which is reliance on Allah’s infinite knowledge.
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Seeking Istikhara from Someone Else
Some people ask others (such as scholars or pious individuals) to perform Istikhara on their behalf. However, Istikhara is a personal act of worship, and every believer should perform it themselves. The Prophet ﷺ taught it as an individual prayer, emphasizing personal connection with Allah.
By avoiding these mistakes, one can perform Istikhara correctly and truly benefit from Allah’s guidance. The keys are sincerity, patience, and trust in Allah’s wisdom. Alhamdulillah, now you have learnt how to do salat istikhara dua in English. Kindly make your dua properly and put your trust in Allah.
