Salat Istikhara, or the consultative prayer, is an essential practice in Islam, used to ask Allah for guidance in our decisions important. Whether choosing a marriage partner, making a professional decision or any other critical situation, Salat Istikhara offers a spiritual path to seek wisdom from Allah because He knows and we do not know. In this article, we will explore in detail the meaning, steps and importance of Salat Istikhara, as well as practical tips for performing it correctly.
Understanding Salat Istikhara
What is Salat Istikhara ?
Salat Istikhara is a special prayer that Muslims perform to seek guidance from Allah in situations where they are undecided or facing an important decision. The word "Istikhara" means "to seek the best" or "to ask for what is good" in Arabic. This prayer shows the believer's complete trust in the wisdom and infinite knowledge of Allah.
Origin and Importance in Islam
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) taught Salat Istikhara to his companions as a way of relying on Allah for every important decision. He said: “When any of you is concerned about a decision, let him pray two units of prayer other than the obligatory prayers, then say the supplication of Istikhara." (Sahih al-Bukhari).
When and Why Do Salat Istikhara ?
Suitable Situations for Salat Istikhara
Salat Istikhara can be done for any important decision in life, including:
- Choice of a marriage partner
- Professional or academic decision
- Purchase or sale of goods
- Moving to a new city
- Making financial decisions
- etc etc
Benefits of this Prayer
Doing Salat Istikhara has several advantages:
- Divine Guidance: By asking Allah to guide us, we ensure that we make decisions aligned with His will.
- Inner peace: Knowing that we have consulted Allah brings peace of mind and reduces anxiety related to making decisions.
- Avoidance of Mistakes: By seeking divine wisdom, we are less likely to make unwise or hasty choices.
How to Make Salat Istikhara ?
Detailed Steps of Prayer
- The right intention (niyyah): Intending to perform Salat Istikhara for the guidance of Allah.
- Pray two units of prayer (rak'ahs):Pray two units of prayer, like a supererogatory prayer.
- Recite the dua of Istikhara:After completing the prayer, recite the dua of Istikhara.
Specific Dua to Recite
In Arabic
اللهم إني أستخيرك بعلمك وأستقدرك وأسألك من فضلك العظيم، ف Remove the water from the water. اللهم إن كنت تعلم أن أن الأمر (يذكر الأمر) خير لي في kid. ثم بارك لي فيه ، وإن كنت تعلم أن هذا الأمر شي في ديني ومعاشي وعاقبة أمري (أو قال: عاجل أمري وآجله) فاصرفه عني واصرفني عنه، واقدر لي الخير حيث ثم أرضني.
French translation
O Allah, I consult You with Your knowledge and I ask You for Your power, and I ask You for Your great grace. Because You have the power and I don't have it. And you know and I don't know. And You are the Knower of the hidden worlds. O Allah, if You know that this matter (mentioning the thing for which you are praying) is good for me in my religion, my life and my destiny (or in my present and future affairs), then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless me in this. And if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion, my life and my destiny (or in my present and future affairs), then take it away from me, and take it away from me, and ordain for me this whoever is good, wherever he may be, and make me satisfied with that.
Phonetics
Allāhumma innī astakhīruka bi'ilmika wa astaqdiruka biqudratika wa as'aluka min faḍlika al-ʿaẓīm. Fa'innaka taqdiru walā aqdiru, wataʿlamu walā aʿlamu wa anta ʿallāmul ghuyūb. Allāhumma in kunta taʿlamu anna hādhā al-amr (mention the thing for which you are praying) khayrun lī fī dīnī wa maʿāshī wa ʿāqibat amrī (aw qāl: ʿājil amrī wa ājilihi) faqduruh lī wa yassirh lī thumma bārik līhi . Wa in kunta taʿlamu anna hādhā al-amr sharrun lī fī dīnī wa maʿāshī wa ʿāqibat amrī (aw qāl: ʿājil amrī wa ājilihi) faṣrifhu ʿannī waṣrifnī ʿanhu, waqdur lī al-khayra ḥay thu kāna thumma arḍinī.
Interpretation and Signs of Salat Istikhara
How to Interpret the Answers ?
Answers to Salat Istikhara do not always come in the form of dreams or clear signs. They can manifest as a feeling of peace or discomfort regarding the decision to be made. Sometimes circumstances can change in a way that makes the decision more obvious.
Signs to Observe After Prayer
- Feeling of serenity or unease:A lingering feeling of peace can indicate that the decision is right, while a feeling of unease can mean the opposite.
- Making things easier:If things are going smoothly after doing Istikhara, it can be a positive sign.
- Dreams: Although not always the case, some may receive guidance through dreams.
Practical and Spiritual Advice for Salat Istikhara
Spiritual Preparation
- Purification: Make sure you are in a state of purity (wudu) before praying.
- Concentration: Try to concentrate fully on prayer and supplication, distancing yourself from distractions.
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Do not rush the prayer: Take your time to perform the prayer and recite the supplication correctly.
- Be patient: Responses to Istikhara may take time. Be patient and continue to pray and seek guidance from Allah.
Salat Istikhara is a powerful prayer that allows us to seek guidance from Allah in our important decisions. By understanding and correctly applying this prayer, we can ensure that our choices are aligned with Allah's will.
May your decisions always be informed by the wisdom and mercy of Allah.
To help you integrate these precious invocations into your daily life, discover our pack of douaas stickers. Perfect for reminding you to say essential prayers like Salat Istikhara, wherever you are.
