How to Pray Istikhara Step by Step in Islam
In moments of deep uncertainty, when the heart trembles before a decision and the mind wavers in doubt, Istikhara stands as a sacred lifeline. But what is the true way to pray Istikhara? This guide from Taqweem Academy walks you through every step, from intention to dua, grounded in the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. Whether you’re choosing a life partner, a job, or a direction in life, Istikhara is your direct path to divine counsel. Here’s how to pray Istikhara in Islam—authentically, clearly, and with unwavering trust in Allah’s wisdom.
What is Istikhara in Islam?
The Arabic word Istikhara (الاستخارة) comes from the root word khayr, which means goodness or that which is best. Linguistically, Istikhara means “seeking the best”.
In Islamic context, Istikhara is a Sunnah prayer taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to help believers seek divine guidance in personal decisions — such as marriage, job offers, moving, business, or any matter not already determined by Shariah (like praying or fasting).
Hadith About Istikhara
The beloved Prophet ﷺ emphasized the importance of Istikhara in a well-known hadith:
“The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to teach us to perform Istikhara in all matters just as he would teach us a surah from the Quran.”
(Bukhari 1166)
This hadith alone shows how serious and valuable this prayer is. It wasn’t limited to major life events — the Sahabah were taught to do Istikhara in all decisions, big or small.
How to Pray Istikhara Step-by-Step
Now let’s go through the exact process of praying Istikhara, as authentically practiced by the Prophet ﷺ.
1. Make Wudu (Ablution)
Before any prayer, cleanliness of the body and heart is vital. Perform a proper Wudu, clearing your intention to seek only Allah’s will.
2. Pray Two Rakat (Units of Prayer)
This is a non-obligatory (nafl) prayer of two rakats. You can pray at any time that is not among the Makruh (forbidden) times (like after Fajr until sunrise or after Asr until sunset).
Important: The intention (niyyah) should be solely for Salat al-Istikhara, even if not spoken aloud.
3. Recite the Istikhara Dua
After completing the two rakats, raise your hands and make this heartfelt Istikhara dua, as narrated in Sahih Bukhari:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ العَظِيمِ…
(complete Arabic dua + transliteration and English meaning shown below)
Istikhara Dua (Arabic):
اللَّهُمَّ إنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ العَظِيمِ، فَإنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ…
Istikhara Dua (Transliteration):
Allāhumma innī astakhīruka bi‘ilmika, wa astaqdiruka biqudratika, wa as’aluka min faḍlika al-‘aẓīm…
Istikhara Dua (English Meaning):
O Allah, I seek the guidance of Your knowledge, and I seek ability from Your power, and I ask You from Your immense favor. For You have power and I do not, and You know and I do not. You are the Knower of the unseen…
Then, mention the specific matter:
“If You know that this matter (mention your issue) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs, then decree it for me, make it easy, and bless it for me…”
And if it’s bad:
“…but if You know that this matter is bad for me, then turn it away from me, and turn me away from it, and decree for me what is better, and make me content with it.”
What Happens After Istikhara? Do You See a Dream?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you’ll see a dream or a clear sign. But that’s not guaranteed, nor necessary.
Instead:
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Allah may put peace in your heart about the decision.
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He may make the path easier (or put barriers in your way).
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You might feel drawn toward one option without explanation.
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Or your situation might unfold in ways you didn’t expect — but later realize were best.
Istikhara is not about magic outcomes. It’s about trusting Allah.
When Should You Pray Istikhara?
Pray Istikhara when you face a decision between two or more halal options. Do not pray Istikhara for something clearly forbidden (like gambling or dating). Examples include:
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Choosing between marriage proposals
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Starting or leaving a job
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Moving to a new country
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Investing in a business
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Choosing a course of study
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Buying a house or car
FAQs: How to Pray Istikhara (Especially for Marriage & Life Decisions)
How to pray Istikhara for marriage?
Pray two rakats with sincerity, then recite the Istikhara dua asking Allah for guidance in marriage. Sleep with a peaceful heart, trusting Allah will guide you through ease or difficulty.
What is the Istikhara dua in English?
“O Allah, if this matter is good for me in my religion, life, and future, then make it easy and bless it. If it’s bad for me, turn it away and turn me away from it. And make what is better destined for me.”
How to pray Istikhara for love?
Perform two rakats with a clean heart, then ask Allah to guide your heart regarding the person you love. Trust the answer will come through clarity, ease, or difficulty moving forward.
How to pray Istikhara in Urdu?
دو نفل نماز پڑھیں اور دعا استخارہ عربی میں پڑھیں یا ترجمہ پڑھ کر دل سے اللہ سے رہنمائی مانگیں۔ اس کے بعد دل کا سکون یا بےچینی آپ کی رہنمائی کرے گی۔
How to do Istikhara for a decision?
Pray two rakats, then recite the Istikhara dua. Ask Allah for clear direction in your choice. Wait with patience; signs come through ease, heart comfort, or real-life outcomes.
How to pray Istikhara according to the Hanafi school?
In Hanafi fiqh, pray two voluntary rakats anytime (except prohibited times), then recite the Istikhara dua. No dream is needed — peace in the heart is a valid sign.
How to pray Istikhara according to IslamQA?
IslamQA recommends praying two rakats, making dua after the prayer, and observing the result — not through dreams but through clarity, signs, and feelings of peace or hesitation.
Can I pray Istikhara after Isha?
Yes, Istikhara can be prayed after Isha and before sleeping. It’s a preferred time, as the night is peaceful and hearts are more focused in dua.
How to do Istikhara prayer step by step?
Make wudu
Pray two rakats of voluntary prayer
Recite the Istikhara dua after prayer
Ask clearly for guidance about your specific matter
Sleep peacefully, trusting Allah’s plan
How do I know if Istikhara is working?
You may feel inner peace, clarity, or face ease in taking one path. If things become difficult, that can also be a sign. Trust how Allah unfolds the outcome.
How to take Istikhara from the Quran?
While some open the Quran randomly, this isn’t a prescribed method. True Istikhara is done through prayer and dua, not by selecting verses at random.
Which surah to recite when performing Istikhara?
There’s no specific Surah required. However, some scholars recommend Surah Al-Kahf or Surah Al-Baqarah for general barakah, but the key part is the dua after two rakats.
Istikhara at Taqweem Online Quran Academy
At Taqweem Academy, students not only memorize the Quran but learn how to live it — and Istikhara is one of the spiritual tools they’re taught. Instructors guide you through the process step-by-step, with emotional support, proper fiqh knowledge, and love for the Sunnah.
They teach you not just how to pray Istikhara, but how to recognize Allah’s subtle signs, how to trust His Qadr (divine decree), and how to walk away from fear.
Final Words: The Prayer of the Sincere
Istikhara is a gift.
It teaches us that we don’t have to carry the weight of the world alone. That our choices, even when they feel overwhelming, are never truly in our hands — they’re in the Hands of the Most Merciful.
So, the next time you stand at a fork in the road — don’t rush. Don’t panic. Pray two rakats, whisper your uncertainty, and leave it in His care.
That is Istikhara. That is trust. That is Islam.
