The Istikhara Dua is a powerful prayer in Islam used to seek Allah’s guidance when making important decisions. It is a way to ask Allah (SWT) to lead you toward what is best for your life, both in this world and the Hereafter. This dua reminds us to surrender to Allah’s infinite wisdom, trusting Him to guide us to the right path. Whether you are facing a major life decision, such as marriage, career choices, or personal matters, the Istikhara Dua is a spiritual tool to help you find clarity and peace.
The Istikhara dua is a prayer to seek Allah’s guidance in making decisions, asking Him to lead you toward what is best for your life and the Hereafter.
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Istikhara
Istikhara is an Arabic term derived from the root word “khayr”, which means goodness or blessing. Linguistically, it means “to seek the best or the right choice.” In Islamic practice, Salat al-Istikhara is a special prayer a Muslim performs when facing a decision and is unsure of the right course. It is a beautiful act of humility and trust—turning to Allah for guidance, acknowledging that He knows what we do not.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught his companions to make Istikhara in all matters, big or small, just as they would learn a verse from the Qur’an. It reflects a believer’s reliance on Allah’s infinite wisdom, mercy, and knowledge when making decisions in life.
Read more about How to Do Istikhara for Decision?
How to Perform Istikhara Prayer:
To pray Istikhara, perform two Rak’ahs of non-obligatory prayer, then recite the Dua Istikhara, asking Allah for guidance in your decision. In the Dua, mention the specific decision you seek guidance for. Then, trust Allah’s wisdom and look for signs of peace or hesitation in your heart.
You can do the following steps to perform Istikhara prayer:
- Make Wudu (Ablution): Begin by performing Wudu to ensure you are in a state of purity.
- Pray Two Rakats of Nafl Prayer: Perform two rakats of non-obligatory prayer. In the first rakat, recite Surah Al-Fatihah followed by another Surah (e.g., Surah Al-Ikhlas). Repeat the same in the second rakat.
- Recite the Istikhara Dua: After completing the prayer, recite the Istikhara Dua with sincerity and focus. Mention the specific decision you are seeking guidance for.
- Trust Allah’s Guidance: Reflect on your feelings and circumstances after performing the prayer. Trust that Allah will guide you to the best decision.
When facing important life decisions, seeking divine direction through sincere supplication is a powerful act of faith. Here are several authentic duas you can make to seek Allah’s help for guidance and decision-making:
1. Istikhara Dua
Here is the Istikhara Dua in Arabic, English and transliteration:
Arabic:
ورد هذا الدعاء في حديث جابر بن عبد الله رضي الله عنه قال
“كان رسولُ اللهِ ﷺ يُعلِّمُنا الاستخارةَ في الأمورِ كلِّها، كما يُعلِّمُنا السورةَ من القرآنِ، يقولُ:
اللَّهُمَّ إنِّي أستخيرُكَ بعلمِكَ، وأستقدِرُكَ بقدرتِكَ، وأسألُكَ مِن فضلِكَ العظيمِ، فإنَّكَ تَقدِرُ ولا أقدِرُ، وتعلَمُ ولا أعلَمُ، وأنتَ علَّامُ الغيوبِ،
اللَّهُمَّ إن كنتَ تعلمُ أنَّ هذا الأمرَ خيرٌ لي في ديني ومعاشي وعاقبةِ أمري، أو قال عاجلِ أمري وآجلِه، فاقْدُرْهُ لي ويسِّرْهُ لي، ثم بارِكْ لي فيه،
وإن كنتَ تعلمُ أنَّ هذا الأمرَ شرٌّ لي في ديني ومعاشي وعاقبةِ أمري، أو قال في عاجلِ أمري وآجلِه، فاصرفْهُ عني واصرِفْني عنه، واقْدُرْ ليَ الخيرَ حيثُ كان، ثم رَضِّنِي به.”
(رواه البخاري
Transliteration:
Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi ‘ilmik, wa astaqdiruka bi qudratik, wa as’aluka min fadlika al-‘azim, fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdir, wa ta‘lamu wa la a‘lam, wa anta ‘allam al-ghuyub.
Allahumma in kunta ta‘lamu anna haadha al-amra khayrun li fi deeni wa ma‘aashi wa ‘aaqibati amri (or ‘aajili amri wa aajilihi), faqdurhu li wa yassirhu li thumma baarik li fihi.
Wa in kunta ta‘lamu anna haadha al-amra sharrun li fi deeni wa ma‘aashi wa ‘aaqibati amri (or ‘aajili amri wa aajilihi), fasrifhu ‘anni wasrifni ‘anhu, waqdur li al-khayra haythu kaan, thumma raddi-ni bih.
When saying “هذا الأمر – haadha al-amr (this matter),” replace it with the specific matter you’re praying about, if possible, or think of it in your heart.
English Translation:
O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge and I seek strength through Your power, and I ask You from Your immense favor. For You have power, and I do not; You know, and 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 (or: in the near and distant future), then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me.
And if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs (or: in the near and distant futur.
2. Dua to Say After Making Istikhara When You’re Still Confused or Worried
Reinforces trust in Allah’s plan even if things seem uncertain.
Arabic: وَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تَكْرَهُوا۟ شَيْـًۭٔا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌۭ لَّكُمْ ۖ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
Transliteration: Wa ʿasā an takrahū shay’an wa huwa khayrun lakum, wallāhu yaʿlamu wa antum lā taʿlamūn
Translation “It may be that you dislike a thing while it is good for you; and Allah knows while you do not know.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:216)
3. Dua for Emigration or Major Travel Decisions
This dua is ideal when you’re planning to migrate, study abroad, or make a life-changing journey.
Arabic: رَبِّ أَدْخِلْنِي مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍۢ وَأَخْرِجْنِي مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍۢ وَٱجْعَل لِّي مِن لَّدُنكَ سُلْطَـٰنًۭا نَّصِيرًۭا
Transliteration: Rabbi adkhilnī mudkhala ṣidqin wa akhrij’nī mukhraja ṣidqin wa-ajʿal lī min ladunka sulṭānan naṣīrā
Translation: “My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit, and grant me from You a supporting authority.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:80)
4. Dua for Buying a House or Car (Seeking Barakah and Safety)
This is a general dua for seeking goodness in a new purchase — commonly said when acquiring a home, car, or any major blessing.
Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهُ، وَخَيْرَ مَا صُنِعَ لَهُ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهِ، وَشَرِّ مَا صُنِعَ لَهُ
Transliteration: Allāhumma innī as’aluka khayrahu wa khayra mā ṣuniʿa lah, wa aʿūdhu bika min sharrihi wa sharri mā ṣuniʿa lah
Translation: “O Allah, I ask You for its goodness and the good of what it was made for, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of what it was made for.”
5. Istikhara Dua for Marriage
Marriage is one of the most important decisions in life. When considering a potential spouse, seeking Allah’s guidance through Istikhara reflects wisdom and faith. Here’s the authentic dua to say after the two rak‘ahs of prayer:
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ إني أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِن فَضْلِكَ العَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلا أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلا أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنتَ عَلَّامُ الغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِن كُنتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ (زواجي من فلان/فلانة…) خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي، أَوْ قَالَ: فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ، فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي، ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِن كُنتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي… فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ، ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي.
Transliteration:
Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi’ilmika, wa astaqdiruka biqudratika, wa asaluka min fadlika al-azim. Fa innaka taqdiru wala aqdir, wa ta’lamu wala a’lam, wa anta ‘allamul ghuyub. Allahumma in kunta ta’lam anna hadha al-amra (mention the matter: e.g. zawaji min fulan…) khayrun li fi deeni wa ma’ashi wa ‘aqibati amri… faqduruhu li wa yassirhu li, thumma barik li fihi. Wa in kunta ta’lamu anna hadha al-amra sharun li… fasrifhu ‘anni wasrifni ‘anhu, waqdur li al-khayr haythu kana, thumma ardini.
Translation:
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. You know, I do not. You are the Knower of the unseen.
O Allah, if You know that this matter (e.g., marrying this person…) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs, then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. 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 good wherever it may be, and make me content with it.
Read more about Istikhara Dua For Marriage
Signs of Response of Istikhara
Istikhara responses often manifest as a feeling of tranquility or doubt, guiding you subtly. You may feel a natural inclination or hesitation, which can serve as an indicator. Dreams might appear, but inner clarity and peace are the main signs.
- Feelings of Peace or Hesitation: A sense of tranquility or clarity about a decision may indicate Allah’s guidance. Conversely, hesitation or discomfort may suggest the decision is not in your best interest.
- Changes in Circumstances: Allah may guide you through changes in your circumstances, such as new opportunities or obstacles.
- Dreams: While not everyone experiences dreams as a sign, some people may receive guidance through dreams. However, dreams should not be the sole basis for your decision.
- Inner Clarity: The most important sign is the clarity you feel in your heart. Trust your instincts and the sense of peace that comes from trusting Allah’s guidance.
Read more about Istikhara Signs of Response
The Power and Significance of Dua for Istikhara
In life, we are often faced with choices that seem unclear or difficult—whether it’s about marriage, career, moving to a new place, or even smaller day-to-day decisions. Making Istikhara is a sign of true faith: it means you trust Allah enough to ask for His guidance before making a move.
Istikhara removes the burden of overthinking and stress. It brings peace to the heart by leaving the matter in Allah’s hands, the One who sees the unseen. It also helps a believer strengthen their Tawakkul (reliance on Allah), especially when outcomes are uncertain or unexpected.
Practical Steps to Complement Your Duas
While making Istikhara is a powerful spiritual tool, it should be accompanied by practical steps. Islam teaches us to tie the camel before placing our trust in Allah.
1. Seek Knowledge About Your Options
Before making a decision, gather all necessary information. Learn about the pros and cons, consult trusted people, and weigh your choices logically. Istikhara doesn’t replace research; it blesses it.
2. Consult with Wise and Experienced People
Shura (consultation) is a Sunnah. Get advice from those with experience and insight, especially if you’re unsure. Their input, combined with your Istikhara, can lead to a balanced and confident decision.
3. Be Patient and Observe
After Istikhara, take your time. Pay attention to how events unfold and the peace or discomfort you feel about the matter. Sometimes, Allah’s guidance comes in subtle ways.
To listen to the beautiful recitation of Istikhara Dua by Sheikh Mishary Rashid Alafasy
When is the best time to say Istikhara Dua?
It’s best to say Istikhara Dua during the night prayer (Salat al-Layl) or after any voluntary prayer. However, it can be done after any prayer when a decision is needed.
Can I recite Istikhara Dua in English?
While the original Arabic is preferred, you may say the meaning in English if you cannot recite it in Arabic, especially if you’re new to learning.
What if I don’t see a dream after making Istikhara Dua?
Seeing a dream is not required. The result of Istikhara comes through ease, clarity, and how events unfold. Pay attention to your feelings and circumstances after making the Dua.
How many times should I repeat Istikhara Dua?
You may repeat it for several nights if you feel uncertain, but even once is sufficient. What matters most is sincerity and trust in Allah’s decision.
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Conclusion
Making Istikhara Dua is a profound way to seek Allah’s guidance in your important life decisions. Whether you are choosing a university, a career path, or considering a major life step like marriage or travel, turning to Allah with authentic supplication strengthens your faith and clarifies your direction. The Duas we’ve shared are not only rooted in the Quran and Sunnah, but also deeply relevant to the real-life choices you face.
However, Islam teaches us to pair our prayers with effort—study well, seek advice, and take responsible action. Most importantly, trust that Allah will guide you to what is best for your dunya and akhirah.
