istikhara

What Is Istikhara? Complete Guide to the Islamic Prayer for Guidance

published by M.Saeed on 7 November, 2025 - 09:44
The Power of Dua

In every Muslim’s life, there are moments of uncertainty—times when one must make choices that could change the course of their life. Whether it’s about marriage, career, or major personal decisions, Islam offers a beautiful and spiritual way to seek divine direction: Istikhara. The term Istikhara comes from the Arabic word khair, meaning “goodness” or “seeking what is best.” Performing Istikhara is a means of asking Allah (SWT) to guide us toward the decision that is best for our worldly life and Hereafter.

What is the Istikhara prayer?

published by Sajid Iqbal on 25 November, 2007 - 00:00
Author: 
Shaykh Salim Ghisa

If you are unsure about a decision you have to make, there is a specific prayer that you can do to ask for Allah's help in making your decision. This prayer is called Salaat-ul- Istikhara (Prayer of guidance).

Istikhara is Sunnah and should be performed for all permissible acts which are not obligatory i.e. Salaah. Meaning one cannot perform Istikhara to see whether they should pray their Salaah five times a day or not, because Salaah is a direct obligation and an order from Allah. In the same way Istikhara cannot be done to see whether they should do something Haram or not.