How to perform Istikhara?

 

The Muslims all around the world are well aware of the word Istikhara. It refers to seeking goodness from the creator of this entire universe. It guides people to reach a decision they are confused about. When a person is unable to make a final call or is not sure about the outcome, he performs istikahara. There is a verse in Holy Quran which is narrated as follows:

O the Knower of Unseen (Exalted is He) guide me if this task is better for me or not?

The last messenger of Allah used to teach Muslims the best way of performing Istikahara. He stated that if any one of you wants to get idea of Allah’s decision he must offer two Rakat of prayer and say the following dua at the end:

“Allaahumma inni astakheeruka bi ‘ilmika wa astaqdiruka bi qudratika wa as’aluka min fadlika, fa innaka taqdiru wa laa aqdir, wa ta’lamu wa laa a’lam, wa anta ‘allaam al-ghuyoob. Allaahumma fa in kunta ta’lamu haadha’l-amra (then the matter should be mentioned by name) khayran li fi ‘aajil amri wa aajilihi (or: fi deeni wa ma’aashi wa ‘aaqibati amri) faqdurhu li wa yassirhu li thumma baarik li fihi. Allaahumma wa in kunta ta’lamu annahu sharrun li fi deeni wa ma’aashi wa ‘aaqibati amri (or: fi ‘aajili amri wa aajilihi) fasrifni ‘anhu (wasrafhu ‘anni) waqdur li al-khayr haythu kaana thumma radini bihi.”

How to do Istikhara?

Start with offering the regular two rakat of prayer. In the first raka, after reciting Surah-Al-Fatiha you should recite Surah-Al-Kafiroon. Then in second rakat of your prayer, recite Surah-Fatiha and then recite Surah-Al-Ikhlas. When done with two rakat, recite this dua, go to sleep and you will be given a hint in dream.

It is believed that if you see happiness, white and green colors in your dream, it is a positive sign and you should make the call. The colors can be in form of white sky, milky way, lush green fields, sun light and etc. Similarly if you see dark colors like red and black then it is a negative symptom and you should not do the task. In this case you will see black gown, dark sky, flowing blood, black light and etc.

In those cases where you wake up and do not remember anything, you have got two options. Repeat the istikhara every night until you finally see something or just do what your heart believes is right.

You can also contact with Professor Shah Mir Qadri for Istikhara Online on Phone. He can perform istikhara for you or can guide you.