Method of performing istikhaarah
Question
What is dua for istikharah? And After performing istikharah, is there a certain number of days one should wait before making his final decision?
Answer
The recommended method of performing istikhaarah is to begin with performing two rakaats nafl salaah. Then with all sincerity recite the following dua:
While reciting this dua, when one reaches هَذَا الْأَمْرَ (this matter) at both places one should think of the matter. Thereafter sleep on a pure clean place preferably facing the qiblah and in a state of wudhu.
There is nothing hard and fast. However, it is important that you consult with your elders and experienced righteous people before making a decision.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
References (Arabic / Urdu sources)
أَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أَسْتَخِيْرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ وَ أَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ وَ أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيْم فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَ لاَ أَقْدِرُ وَ تَعْلَمُ وَ لاَ أَعْلَمُ وَ أَنْتَ عَلاَّمُ الْغُيُوْب أَللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِّيْ فِيْ دِيْنِيْ وَ مَعَاشِيْ وَ عَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِيْ فَاقْدِرْهُ لِيْ وَ يَسِّرْهُ لِيْ ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِيْ فِيْه وَ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِّيْ فِيْ دِيْنِيْ وَ مَعَاشِيْ وَ عَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِيْ فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّيْ وَ اصْرِفْنِيْ عَنْهُ وَ اقْدِرْ لِيَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِيْ بِه
- Answered by
- Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
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