Salat al-Istikhara, or what is the Istikhara prayer? may be translated to English as the Prayer for Seeking the Best or the Prayer for Guidance. And it is a kind of prayer made by a Muslim. When he has to choose between two options. Istikhara is derived from the word “khayr” which translates to “good” or “best” in Arabic.
To arrive at the best decision. The prayer known as Istikhara is a Sunna recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Which consists of reciting a dua after offering two rak’ts of prayer. It is a practice that is employed by Muslims worldwide to seek answers or outline themselves. When they are going to make a decision. In this article, you also know about “what is the istikhara prayer?”
What is the Istikhara Prayer?
In other words, what is the Istikhara prayer? Istikhara is a form of dua that encapsulates the submission of a believer to Allah. In Istikhara, therefore, Muslims deliberately seek guidance or advice from Allah. Especially where the outcome is unknown or uncertain. A surrender is an act that puts ‘own self, in question. And fears at the disposal of Allah. Accepting His decision as the most suitable. Istikhara, for big things of life and any other lawful thing. The Prophet (SAWs) has urged Muslims to ask Allah in the matter.
Importance of Seeking Allah’s Guidance
Relying upon Allah is one of the attributes of imaan. The significance of what is the Istikhara prayer? is to show that the understanding of Allah is far superior. To the humble intellect of a person. Istikhara prayer is one of humility and reliance on Allah. Evidence that our understanding and planning are insufficient. But Allah on the other hand is all-wise. It is not a form of worship.
But also a means of developing a strong orientation toward dependence on Allah. In Istikhara, Muslims have a way of relying on Allah instead of complaining about the uncertain results. And understanding that Allah is the one who decides everything. Before performing Istikhara it is very important to know “what is the Istikhara prayer?”
When to Perform Istikhara Prayer
The Istikhara prayer can be performed in any situation that involves a significant decision, such as:
- Selecting a career or a job opening
- Choosing a life partner or making marriage decisions
- Choosing courses of action for education or moving
- Deciding on what sort of financial choices to invest
Therefore, it is common knowledge that what is the Istikhara prayer? can make any decision that affects one’s life easier. This is important to note that what is the Istikhara prayer? is for permissible actions only. Because asking about the righteousness of something prohibited is unIslamic. In addition, Istikhara is not done at any particular time. But it is more often conducted just before going to bed with the idea that in the morning. A calm mind will be attained.
How to Perform Istikhara Prayer: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a straightforward guide on how to perform the Istikhara prayer:
Make the Intention: Start with the right purpose and the willingness to follow the guidelines provided by Him to the latter.
Pray Two Rak’ahs (Units) of Salah: Offer two rak’ahts of optional prayer in which after the first Surah of every unit Al-Fatihah you can read any verses from the Quran.
Recite the Istikhara Dua: When you are done with the prayer, say the prayer of dua Istikhara. This dua has a petition asking for Allah to guide him towards the best and to refrain from any evil.
Express Your Need: While reciting the dua, state the decision or the affair that you want Allah to guide you on.
Place Trust in Allah’s Wisdom: You say the dua and then leave your concern to Allah. Let the Creator know that what He has done for you is best.
Istikhara can be conducted over several days if concentration or lack of clear feel of mind is not achieved at first instance.
Understanding the Istikhara Dua
At the core of the procedure though is the Istikhara dua. An effort that defines the concept of asking Allah for help. Here’s a translation of the dua:
“O Allah, I seek Your guidance by Your knowledge, and I seek ability by Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. For You are able while I am not, and You know while I do not, and You are the Knower of the unseen.
O Allah, if You know that this matter (mention your matter) is good for me in my religion and my livelihood and in my affairs, then ordain it for me and make it easy for me, then bless me in it.
And if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion and my livelihood and my affairs, 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.”
This dua reflects the humility of the believer, acknowledging Allah’s supreme wisdom and power over all matters.
Common Misconceptions about Istikhara
About what is the Istikhara prayer? the following misunderstandings can be mentioned. Some of the most common include:
The expectation of a Dream or Vision: There are no dreams or signs associated with Istikhara which differentiates it from regular dua. However, some may find they feel more clearheaded or at ease. Rather it is sensed in terms of ease or otherwise of decision making or in other words the ease or difficulty of the response.
Instant Results: Istikhara, besides, is not expected to yield instant solutions. I said sometimes it becomes clear later. When Allah guides people at the right time, in the best interests of the believer.
Istikhara Only for Big Decisions: It can be performed for any lawful choice of life. Ranging from a small decision to a major one which requires a consultation.
One-Time Prayer: Another point is that Istikhara can be made several times until the result is clear.
It is encouraging to understand these misconceptions about what is the Istikhara prayer? and note realistic expectations, which enable believers to engage in Istikhara patiently and with confidence in Allah.
What to Expect After Performing Istikhara
After performing what is the Istikhara prayer? a person may feel a sense of relief or a particular kind of inner feeling. Which indicates that a particular course of action would be good for him. On the other hand, signals may be received that some form of resistance or hindrance exists. And that it would be better to take a different route. Istikhara makes the person keep his/her eyes open. And wait for something to happen with time. So that Allah’s guidance may be discerned on the matter in issue.
Must Read: Benefits Of Praying Tahajjud.
Signs of Istikhara and Recognizing the Response
Responses to Istikhara may vary, but believers can observe signs through:
Ease of Continuity: If Allah opens the chosen path and eases it then it is from the positive signs.
Obstacles and Discomfort: If one feels difficulty or, even uneasiness in a certain situation. It may be the best thing that Allah is protecting one from that path.
Peace of Mind: More often than not, a kind of satisfaction within you and no qualms at all can be a strong message from Allah.
Instead of paying attention to the dreams, it is better to remain awakened to how things are going and remain patient in the search for Allah’s wishes.
FAQs
Can Istikhara be performed for others?
Yes, it is permissible to offer Istikhara on behalf of a person in particular circumstances where he or she cannot do it himself or herself.
How many times should Istikhara be performed?
Istikhara can be made more than once to conclude or until the soul is eased. There’s no set limit.
Is a dream necessary for Istikhara to be effective?
No, a dream is not required. Sometimes sense-making is experienced, many other times it is simply the ability to decide without dealing with persistent confusion.
Can Istikhara be performed for multiple decisions?
Yes, Istikhara can be made for all the above choices but should be performed separately for that case.
What if I feel no difference after Istikhara?
Periodically, there may be instances when it is not so obvious what the correct answer is. Go on believing in Him, because Allah may lead your heart and your actions gradually.
Conclusion
Istikhara prayer plays a great role in getting Allah’s advice at moments of ambiguity. What is the Istikhara prayer? It is a prayer that brings one directly into contact with Allah’s decision-making. And asks a believer to ask for Allah’s decisions in matters to conduct a test. When putting a decision in the hands of Allah. Istikhara is the faith in the idea that every decision made will lead the believer to the best provision for his faith, life, and existence. ‘Istikhara’ makes and empowers Muslim’s life plans to be clear, confident, and peaceful, as they know Allah’s blessings are on their decisions.
For further guidance on Istikhara and other forms of prayer, Visit Online Quran Academy, where we offer insights and courses to deepen your understanding of Islamic practices.