Istikhara Dua | Arabic, Translations, and Spiritual Guidance
Seeking Allah’s guidance through Salatul Istikhara is a profound practice in Islam. Whether you’re making an important decision about marriage, career, or any other aspect of life, Istikhara helps you trust in Allah’s wisdom and align your choices with His divine plan. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Istikhara Dua, including its Arabic text, translations in multiple languages (Urdu, Bengali, Indonesian, Malay, Turkish, and more), step-by-step instructions, cultural considerations, and advanced spiritual insights.
What is Istikhara?
Istikhara (استخارہ) is a Sunnah prayer performed to seek Allah’s guidance when faced with a difficult decision. The word “Istikhara” means “to seek goodness” or “to ask Allah to choose what is best.” Through this prayer, Muslims trust Allah to guide them toward the most beneficial path.
Hadith Reference: Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“If any one of you is concerned about a decision he has to make, then let him pray two Rak’ahs of non-obligatory prayer and then say the Istikhara Dua.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
The Significance of Istikhara in Islam
Performing Istikhara reflects Tawakkul (trust in Allah). It reminds us that ultimate control lies with Allah, and seeking His guidance ensures peace of mind and clarity. While the core principles of Istikhara remain universal, cultural practices around its implementation may vary across Muslim communities worldwide.
How to Perform Salatul Istikhara: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing for the Prayer
- Intention (Niyyah): Make a sincere intention to perform Istikhara for the specific decision you’re facing.
- Cleanliness: Ensure you are in a state of Wudu (ablution) and dressed modestly.
- Time: While Istikhara can be performed at any time except during prohibited prayer times (e.g., sunrise, sunset), it is recommended to perform it after Isha Salah.
The Two Rak’ahs
- Perform two Rak’ahs of voluntary prayer (like any other Nafl Salah).
- After completing the prayer, recite the following supplication:
Reciting the Istikhara Dua
Arabic Text
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي، فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي، فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ وَاقْدُرْ لِي الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ رَضِّنِي بِهِ
English Translation
“O Allah, I seek Your guidance by virtue of Your knowledge, and I seek ability by virtue of Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. You have power, I have none. And You know, I know not. You are the Knower of hidden things. O Allah, if in Your knowledge, this matter is good for my religion, my livelihood, and the consequences of my affairs, then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. But if in Your knowledge, this matter is bad for my religion, my livelihood, or the consequences of my affairs, then turn it away from me, and turn me away from it, and grant me the good wherever it may be, and make me pleased with it.”
Transliteration
Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi ‘ilmika, wa astaqdiruka bi qudratika, wa as’aluka min fadlikal-‘azim. Fa-innaka taqdiru wa la aqdiru, wa ta’lamu wa la a’lamu, wa anta ‘allamul-ghuyub. Allahumma in kunta ta’lamu anna hadhal-amra khayrun li fi dini wa ma’ashi wa ‘aqibati amri, faqdurhu li wa yassirhu li thumma barik li fihi. Wa in kunta ta’lamu anna hadhal-amra shar-run li fi dini wa ma’ashi wa ‘aqibati amri, fasrifhu anni wa srafni ‘anhu, wa qdur liyal-khayra haythu kana, thumma radh-dhini bihi.
Multilingual Translations
- Urdu :
اللہ کی طرف سے استخارہ کرتا ہوں، تمہاری علم کی بنیاد پر، اور تمہاری قدرت کی بنیاد پر، اور تمہاری بڑی مہربانی کی درخواست کرتا ہوں۔ تمہاری قدرت ہے، میری نہیں۔ تم جانتے ہو، میں نہیں جانتا۔ تم چھپی باتوں کے جاننے والے ہو۔ اللہ کی طرف سے اگر یہ کام میرے دین، زندگی اور آخرت کے لیے بہتر ہے تو اسے مجھ پر آسان کرو اور اس میں بارکت عطا کرو۔ اگر یہ کام میرے دین، زندگی اور آخرت کے لیے بری چیز ہے تو اسے مجھ سے دور کرو اور مجھے اس سے دور کرو اور مجھے کہیں بھی بہتری عطا کرو اور مجھے اس سے راضی کرو۔ - Bengali :
আল্লাহ্র জ্ঞানের উপর ভিত্তি করে আমি আপনার কাছে ভালো জিনিসটি চাই, এবং আপনার ক্ষমতার উপর ভিত্তি করে আমি আপনার কাছে অনুগ্রহ চাই। আপনি জানেন, আমি জানি না। আপনি গোপন বিষয়ের জ্ঞাতা। হে আল্লাহ্, যদি এই বিষয়টি আমার ধর্ম, জীবন ও ভবিষ্যতের জন্য ভালো হয়, তবে এটি আমার জন্য সহজ করুন এবং এতে আশীর্বাদ করুন। যদি এটি আমার জন্য খারাপ হয়, তবে এটি আমার থেকে দূরে সরিয়ে দিন এবং আমাকে ভালো জিনিসটি দিন। - Indonesian :
Ya Allah, aku memohon petunjuk-Mu dengan ilmu-Mu, dan aku memohon kekuatan-Mu dengan kekuasaan-Mu, dan aku meminta kepada-Mu dari karunia-Mu yang besar. Sesungguhnya Engkau berkuasa, sedangkan aku tidak. Engkau mengetahui, sedangkan aku tidak. Engkaulah Yang Maha Mengetahui perkara gaib. Ya Allah, jika perkara ini baik untuk agamaku, kehidupanku, dan akhir urusanku, maka tetapkanlah itu untukku, mudahkanlah itu untukku, lalu berkahilah aku di dalamnya. Dan jika perkara ini buruk untuk agamaku, kehidupanku, dan akhir urusanku, maka jauhkanlah itu dariku dan jauhkanlah aku darinya, dan tetapkanlah kebaikan untukku di mana saja, lalu ridhailah aku dengannya. - Malay :
Ya Allah, aku memohon petunjuk-Mu dengan ilmu-Mu, dan aku memohon kuasa-Mu dengan kekuasaan-Mu, dan aku meminta kepada-Mu dari limpahan rahmat-Mu yang besar. Sesungguhnya Engkau berkuasa, sedangkan aku tidak. Engkau mengetahui, sedangkan aku tidak. Engkaulah Yang Maha Mengetahui perkara ghaib. Ya Allah, jika perkara ini baik untuk agamaku, kehidupanku, dan akhir urusanku, maka tetapkanlah ia untukku, mudahkanlah ia untukku, lalu berkatilah aku di dalamnya. Dan jika perkara ini buruk untuk agamaku, kehidupanku, dan akhir urusanku, maka jauhkanlah ia dariku dan jauhkanlah aku darinya, dan tetapkanlah kebaikan untukku di mana sahaja, lalu redhailah aku dengannya. - Turkish :
Allah’ım, senin bilgine dayanarak senden rehberlik diliyorum ve gücünle güç istiyorum, senin büyük nimetinden rica ediyorum. Sen her şeyi yapabilirsin, ben yapamam. Sen bilirsin, ben bilmiyorum. Sen gizli şeyleri bilenlersin. Allah’ım, eğer bu iş dinim, geçimim ve sonucum için iyi ise, bana kolaylaştır ve bana bereket ver. Eğer bu iş dinim, geçimim ve sonucum için kötü ise, bunu benden uzaklaştır ve beni bundan uzaklaştır, nerede olursa olsun bana iyilik takdir et ve bununla razı et.
Interpreting the Results of Istikhara
Understanding Signs and Indications
After performing Istikhara, look for signs or feelings of ease or discomfort regarding the decision:
- If you feel peace and clarity, it may indicate Allah’s approval.
- If you feel hesitation or difficulty, it may suggest reconsideration.
The Role of Dreams in Istikhara
While dreams are not essential, some scholars mention they can provide additional insight. However, do not rely solely on dreams—focus on practical signs and your heart’s inclination.
Cultural Context and Etiquette
While the core principles of Istikhara are universal, cultural practices may vary:
- In some cultures, Istikhara is performed multiple times for clarity.
- Others emphasize consulting elders or scholars alongside Istikhara.
General etiquette includes:
- Making sincere intentions.
- Avoiding haste; give yourself time to reflect.
- Combining Istikhara with personal effort and consultation.
Advanced Topics
Philosophical and Spiritual Aspects
Istikhara is not just about seeking guidance—it’s about surrendering to Allah’s will. It teaches humility, patience, and trust in divine wisdom.
Historical Context
The practice of Istikhara dates back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and has been a cornerstone of Islamic spirituality ever since.
Comprehensive FAQ
Global Questions
- Can Istikhara Be Done for Someone Else?
Yes, you can perform Istikhara on behalf of someone else with their permission. - How Many Times Can Istikhara Be Performed?
There is no limit. You can repeat it until you feel clarity. - Do Different Schools of Thought Have Variations in Performing Istikhara?
The core method remains the same, but minor differences may exist in interpretation or emphasis. - Is It Necessary to Mention the Specific Decision in the Dua?
No, but it is recommended to clarify your intention in your heart. - Does Istikhara Guarantee Success?
Istikhara guarantees Allah’s guidance, but success depends on your efforts and adherence to Islamic principles.
Conclusion: Trusting Allah’s Guidance
Performing Istikhara is a profound act of worship that strengthens your relationship with Allah. By following the steps outlined above and trusting in Allah’s wisdom, you can make decisions with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, Allah knows what is best for you—even if the outcome isn’t immediately clear.
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