How to pray Istikhara
- 1Make wudu
Be in a state of wudu, as for any salah.
- 2Pray two rak'ahs of nafl
Make the intention of two rak'ahs of Salat al-Istikhara. Any surahs are fine; many Hanafi scholars recommend Surah al-Kafirun in the first rak'ah and Surah al-Ikhlas in the second. Do not pray it at the three disliked times: sunrise, midday (zawal) and sunset.
- 3Praise Allah and send salawat
After the salam, praise Allah and send blessings on the Prophet ﷺ, as you would before any dua.
- 4Recite the Istikhara dua
Read the dua above. When you reach "hādhal-amr" (this matter), think of your matter or name it, for example "this marriage proposal". You may read it from a paper or phone.
- 5Go ahead and trust Allah
Then do what your heart settles on and what seems best after thinking and asking advice. You do not need to sleep straight after or to see a dream. If you are still unsure, you can repeat the Istikhara on the following days; some scholars mention up to seven times.
When to say it
When you have to decide on something permissible: a proposal, a job, a move, a purchase. Pray two rak'ahs, then say this dua.
Good to know
- Istikhara is asking Allah to choose for you; also ask people you trust (istisharah).
- The Prophet ﷺ taught it to his Companions the way he taught them a surah of the Qur'an.
Related duas
More in Wudu, masjid and salah: Dua after wuduDua after adhanDua for entering the masjidDua for leaving the masjidThana: the opening dua in salahTasbih in ruku and sujudDua between the two sajdahsAt-Tahiyyat (tashahhud)Durood IbrahimDua before salamSeeking refuge before salamDhikr after salah