Istikhara: What It Is, How It Is Prayed, and Common Misunderstandings
Almost everyone faces a decision at some point that they cannot easily settle: a marriage proposal, a job offer, a move to another city. In Islam there is a prayer for exactly this situation, called istikhara. It is simple, it is short, and it is often misunderstood. This article explains what it is, where it comes from, how it is prayed, and the common myths that have grown around it.
This is a general explanation. If you have a question about a specific detail of how to pray, please ask a qualified scholar.
What does istikhara mean?
The word comes from the Arabic root kh-y-r, which relates to goodness and choosing. Istikhara means asking Allah for what is best, and asking Him to guide you to the better choice. It is not a way of telling the future, and it is not fortune-telling. It is a prayer in which you admit that you do not know what is best, and you hand the matter to the One who does.
Where does it come from?
Sahih al-Bukhari records from Jabir ibn Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet ﷺ used to teach his Companions istikhara in all their affairs, just as he taught them a surah of the Quran. This detail is often quoted because it shows how much importance the Prophet ﷺ gave to it.
How is it prayed?
According to the hadith, the person who is about to make a decision prays two units (rak’ahs) of voluntary prayer, other than the obligatory prayers, and then recites the istikhara dua. In the dua, the person asks Allah, if the matter is good for his religion, his life and the outcome of his affairs, to decree it for him, make it easy, and bless it for him. If the matter is bad for him, the person asks Allah to turn it away from him, and turn him away from it, and to decree what is good for him wherever it may be.
Another important detail in the hadith is that the person mentions their need by name, at the point in the dua where it says “this matter”. You can read the Arabic text and the meaning on our istikhara dua page.
A short step-by-step
- Make wudu and choose a time when you are not praying an obligatory prayer.
- Pray two units of voluntary prayer.
- After the prayer, recite the istikhara dua and mention your matter in it.
- Continue with your normal life, and then make your decision.
Common misunderstandings
“I must see a dream”
This is the most common belief, and it is not mentioned in the hadith. The hadith does not say that the answer will come in a dream, or that you must see anything at all. Many scholars explain that after istikhara, a person goes ahead with the matter and then sees whether Allah makes it easy for them or places obstacles in the way. If something becomes clear to you, or you feel inclined to one choice, that is fine, but it is not a requirement.
“White means yes and black means no”
There is no basis for attaching meanings to colours in the hadith. Some people repeat these ideas, but they are not part of the Sunnah, and relying on them can cause worry and confusion.
“I must repeat it seven times”
A report that mentions repeating istikhara seven times is known, but many scholars consider its chain weak, so it is not usually presented as part of the established method. Some people repeat the prayer for their own reassurance, but they should not consider it a condition.
“Istikhara replaces thinking and asking advice”
It does not. Islam encourages consultation (shura) with people of knowledge and experience, as well as careful thought and research. Istikhara goes together with these. You do your research, ask the right people, and then ask Allah for His help.
“It can only be done by someone else for me”
The hadith describes the person who has the decision praying for himself or herself. Asking another person to pray for you is a dua like any other, but it does not replace your own istikhara.
“I must wait for the answer before I decide”
The hadith does not describe waiting for a sign. A person prays, then makes the decision in the way that seems best. If the matter is good, Allah will make it easy, and if it is not, He can turn it away.
When should you pray istikhara?
Scholars generally say it is for permissible matters that are not clearly commanded or forbidden. You do not pray istikhara about whether to pray, to fast or to avoid something that is clearly forbidden. It is used for choices between permissible options, such as a marriage proposal, a job or where to live. It can be prayed before the decision is made, when your heart is open to either choice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pray istikhara at any time?
Many scholars say it can be prayed at any time that voluntary prayer is permitted. Please ask a scholar if you have a question about the times in which prayer is disliked.
What if I do not know Arabic?
The dua is usually recited in Arabic. If you cannot memorise it yet, some scholars permit making the same dua in your own language until you learn the Arabic. Please ask a scholar about this.
How will I know the answer?
Often it is a matter of which path becomes easier and which brings you peace, and which does not. If you are unsure after istikhara and consultation, proceed with the option that seems better and trust Allah.
Should I do istikhara for a marriage proposal?
Yes, it is a common use. Together with istikhara, a person should look at the character and religion of the proposed spouse, and consult family and trusted people.
Sources and further reading: Sahih al-Bukhari (the hadith of Jabir on istikhara); the explanations of the hadith in Fath al-Bari by Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani. Please ask a qualified scholar about details that depend on your school of thought.