How to Pray Istikhara
Step-by-step guide to Salatul Istikhara
What is Salatul Istikhara?
Salatul Istikhara is a special prayer for seeking Allah’s guidance when making important decisions. The word “Istikhara” means “seeking what is best.”
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Make Wudu
Perform ablution as you would for any prayer.
Step 2: Pray Two Rak’at
Pray two voluntary (nafl) rak’at. You can recite any surah after Al-Fatiha. Some scholars recommend Surah Al-Kafirun in the first rak’ah and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second.
Step 3: Recite the Istikhara Dua
After completing the prayer and saying salam, recite the Istikhara dua.
Step 4: Mention Your Matter
When you reach “this matter” (hadha al-amr) in the dua, mention your specific decision in your heart or verbally.
Step 5: Trust Allah’s Guidance
After praying, proceed with your decision. Signs of guidance may come through ease or difficulty, inclination, or circumstances.
Common Questions
Do I need to see a dream after Istikhara?
No, dreams are not required. Guidance often comes through circumstances, feelings of peace, or doors opening/closing.
How many times should I pray Istikhara?
Once is sufficient, but you can repeat it over several days if you haven’t made a decision yet.
Can women pray Istikhara during menstruation?
She cannot pray the two rak’at but can make the dua alone, according to many scholars.