How is salaatul istikhaarah performed?

“Istikhaarah actually refers to ‘seeking of good’ which is in reality a Dua. Therefore, the Ulama have written that just as one may request another person to make Dua on one’s behalf, particularly when he is a pious person and there is hope of his Dua being accepted, similarly, one may request another person to make Istikhaarah …”

“First and foremost, the reality of Istikharah is to seek goodness and guidance from Allah Ta’aala in Mubaah acts (where one is not commanded nor prohibited and one can choose to act or refrain from acting). A famous statement reads, the one who makes Istikharah will not face failures and disappointments.”

“In principle, it is permissible to perform Istikharah for another person as it falls under supplication for others. When performing Istikhara for others the following should be kept in mind.”

“The meaning of istikhaara is to seek goodness from Allah Ta'ala. Hence, istikhaara can be done for any matter, whether trivial or important. In regard to istikhaara, Hazrat Jaabir (radhiyallahu anhu) said, "Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) taught us to perform istikhaara for all affairs."”