Istikhara can be defined as a sort of prayer to seek Allah’s counsel in any matter or situation. At times we find ourselves in a fix when deciding about serious matters of life. We are left with no option but to turn to Allah for guidance. One of the best ways, according to Sunnah, to seeking divine help is to perform Istikhara. The Dua for Istikhara is very short and easy.... Read More...
In the beginning of the Dua, before putting the matter before Allah, you say, “O Allah Almighty!
I seek goodness from Your Knowledge and with Your Might I seek strength, and I ask from You Your Great Blessings, because You have the Power and I do not (I’m powerless). You Know everything, and I do not, and You have the knowledge of the unseen. Oh Allah! If in Your Knowledge this action …” It is here that you talk about the issue you are facing.
You go on and say, “If this (which I intend to do) is better for my religion and faith, for my life and end [death], for here [in this life] and the hereafter (the Day of Resurrection) then make it destined for me and make it easy for me and then add (Your) blessings to it for me.”
It is not necessary that, after reciting Dua for Istikhara, you’ll see a dream. Rather, Allah Almighty guides you to a right choice through different means which He deems best for you.
For performing Istikhara according to Sunnah, you need to do two things before going for the Dua. First, do Wudhu (perform ablution). Second, offer two units (Rakat) of voluntary prayer (Nafl) with an intention of Istikhara.