Is it necessary for a person to have a dream after performing istikhara prayer? An invaluable dua for making the right decision. What should I do if I cannot read Arabic and have serious problems with pronunciation?

What is istikhara prayer and how is it performed correctly? Will I see a sign dream? What if I don't see anything? So did I do something wrong? How many times should Istikhara be performed? In this article we will explain the most frequently asked questions about this type of prayer and debunk some misconceptions about it.

Istikhara means striving for good from Allah. This prayer, which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught to believers, is a blessing and direct guidance from Allah to his servant.

Does performing Istikhara require special preparation, or is it a prayer that can be performed daily?

The first misconception is to believe that istikhara is performed only on special occasions. Some believe that it requires a lot of preparation, others - that it is very difficult, others - that for this you need to follow a certain ritual: take a bath, put on clean clothes, perform isha prayer, and without talking to anyone, go to bed and wait for a sign in a dream.

But Istikhara is not some kind of special “super prayer”, which is performed only on special occasions, when, for example, a person faces a big choice, is about to get married, is looking for a job, etc. Istikhara is a prayer asking for Allah’s guidance, and doesn’t a believer need this every day?

Every new day is a test and a choice, in which, without direction from the Almighty, we are helpless and unsuccessful. Istikhara can be performed daily and at any time, except for times when it is forbidden to read nafil prayers (after morning and midday prayers). Istikhara can be performed when making small, large decisions and for general guidance in life.

As for dreams, many believe that after performing istikhara prayer, a sign must appear to them in a dream, which will show them the correct guidance. The purpose of performing istikhara is to obtain guidance, guidance and direction from Allah, and not a dream, so this direction can be absolutely in different ways, be it some signs, a combination of circumstances, a change in the feelings and aspirations of the person himself, or a strengthening in his decision. And all this is from Allah. You should not wait for sleep after performing istikhara, if everything goes smoothly and there are no obstacles on the way to what you were striving for - this is the main sign.

But if you had a dream, then this is good, it is a direct source of information from Allah Almighty. If not, it does not mean that Allah did not accept your istikhara. It is recommended to read istikhara for 7 days if you have not received an answer to your question.

What comes after finding direction is the real test. Not always what we liked, what we strived for, turns out to be good for us, and after performing istikhara, Allah shows this truth to man.

Following the guidance of Allah is the test of our faith and iman. Sometimes we receive good signs that this is good for us and we ourselves contradict it, not wanting to accept it. Others see bad signs, but still decide to do this. Allah, by His mercy, shows a person what is good for him and what is not. Going against his instructions will deprive a person of happiness and make him unsuccessful.

The Holy Quran says: “They are the ones who bought error for guidance. But the deal did not bring them profit, and they did not follow the straight path” (2:16).

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “If you are worried about any issue, perform istikhara by praying to Your Lord, then see what is the first feeling that arises in your heart. If after this dua the heart is inclined to do what caused istikhara, then doing it will be better; if the heart is not inclined, then this matter is postponed. If your heart is not inclined towards anything, then repeat more than seven times.”

The importance of istikhara

The Messenger of Allah ordered us to perform istikhara to make decisions in life, especially when before a special important choice and a solution. May Allah bless us with divine guidance from Himself and grant us the understanding to make the right decisions. “If any of you wants to do anything, let him perform an additional prayer of two rak’ahs and recite the dua istikhara:

“O Allah, I ask You to help me with Your knowledge and Your power and I ask You to show me great mercy, for You can, but I cannot, You know, but I do not know, and You know everything about the hidden!

O Allah, if You know that this deed (and a person should say what he intends to do) will be good for my religion, for my life and for the outcome of my affairs (or: ... sooner or later), then predetermine it me, make it easier for me, and then give me Your blessing for it;

if You know that this matter will turn out to be harmful for my religion, for my life and for the outcome of my affairs, then take it away from me, and lead me away from it and judge for me the good, wherever it is, and then bring me to satisfaction with it."

Allahumma, inni astakhiru-kya bi-"ilmi-kya wa astakdirukya bi-kudrati-kya wa as"alyu-kya min fadli-kya-l-"azimi fa-inna-kya takdiru wa la akdiru, wa ta"lamu wa la a "lyamu, wa Anta "allamu-l-guyubi! Allahumma, in kunta ta "lamu anna haza-l-amra khairun li fi dini, wa ma"ashi wa "akibati amri, fa-kdur-hu li wa yassir-hu li, sum barik fi-hi; wa in kunta ta "lamu anna haza-l-amra sharrun li fi divni, wa ma" ashi wa "akibati amri, fa-srif-hu "an-ni wa-srif-ni "an-hu wa-kdur liya-l-haira haisu kana , sum ardi-ni bi-hi.”

*hadha lamra (this matter) - replace it with what you ask for guidance from Allah.

There are often situations in life when we are faced with difficult choices. We do not know whether this or that action will bring us good or turn out to be a mistake. At such moments, istikhara comes to the rescue. Istikhara means turning to Allah and striving for His good. Allah knows what we don't know. Allah knows the outcome and consequence of every matter and we ask Allah to guide us to what is best for us.

How is istikhara performed?

According to the sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, istikhara prayer is performed before important event or choice, in the amount of 2 rak'ahs at any time of the day, and at the end a dua is made with a request to the Almighty to grant a good outcome, to protect from what will harm a person and his faith, and to bless him in what will be useful for him and his faith. It is preferable to read Surah Kafirun in the first rakah, and Surah Ikhlas in the second.

The importance of istikhara for a person is that it frees you from all negative thoughts and makes you trust and rely only on Allah. A person gains comfort, calmness and confidence.

Dua istikhara:

“Allahumma, inni astakhiru-kya bi-"ilmi-kya wa astakdirukya bi-kudrati-kya wa as"alyu-kya min fadli-kya-l-"azimi fa-inna-kya takdiru wa la akdiru, wa ta"lyamu wa la a "lyamu, wa Anta "allamu-l-guyubi! Allahumma, in kunta ta "lamu anna haza-l-amra khairun li fi dini, wa ma"ashi wa "akibati amri, fa-kdur-hu li wa yassir-hu li, sum barik fi-hi; wa in kunta ta "lamu anna haza-l-amra sharrun li fi dini, wa ma" ashi wa "akibati amri, fa-srif-hu "an-ni wa-srif-ni "an-hu wa-kdur liya-l-haira haisu kana , sum ardi-ni bi-hi."

The general meaning of this prayer:

“O Allah, I ask You to help me with Your knowledge and Your power and I ask You to show me great mercy, for You can, but I cannot, You know, but I do not know, and You know everything about the hidden! O Allah, if You know that this matter (and a person should be told what he intends to do) will be good for my religion, for my life and for the outcome of my affairs (or: ... sooner or later), then predetermine it for me, make it easier for me, and then give me Your blessing for it; if You know that this matter will turn out to be harmful for my religion, for my life and for the outcome of my affairs, then take it away from me, and lead me away from it and judge for me the good, wherever it is, and then bring me to satisfaction with it."

The effect of istikhara prayer

If the dua has been accepted, Allah opens doors for a Muslim in this matter, makes it easier and does not pose difficulties, everything turns out easily and successfully. If the dua did not give success in a certain matter, it means:

1. In istikhara dua, a person mainly asks that it be good for his religion, which is the main goal of the believer and asks for good in this world. So if, after reading istikhara, a person loses or is deprived of something, but his faith remains unchanged, then through the barakat of istikhara, Allah Taala granted him worldly loss and protected him from greater loss in the eternal world.

2. Istikhara is accepted and Allah grants good to a person, but this good can be in two forms: the first is a choice that he made good, without any harm, the second is good, but can cause him harm in the future. Thus, through the barakat of istikhara, Allah saves him from harm and difficulties that may be caused as a result of his choice.

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From this article you will learn everything about istikhara prayer, how to perform it in order to achieve success, as well as all kinds of rules for this. This ritual is very important for every Muslim as direct communication with Allah during any difficult life situations or insoluble issues.

So, let's take a closer look at the question: “Istikhara prayer - what is it, and what significance does it have in the life of a Muslim?” This is very important to understand, since this ritual is quite significant and is not the least important among believers. Istikhara is a special guidance from Allah, necessary when one’s knowledge and skills are not enough to solve a problem, or a person is simply at a crossroads.

It is believed that having done everything in his power in a difficult matter, a Muslim must rely on the will of the Lord and perform istikhara, namely the special prayer that the Messenger of Allah brought to help people.

According to many scholarly treatises, it is believed that after completing the ritual, a person need not worry about the decision taken, since it will be directed exactly where it is needed. His question will be resolved by the most in the best possible way(although perhaps not as originally expected).

Who performs Istikhara prayer and at what time?

So, now let’s look at the question of istikhara prayer - how to perform it, in what specific situations. After a person has listened to the advice of experienced and more knowledgeable people, he must perform the ritual and then go towards the intended goal, without turning anywhere. It is believed that Allah will resolve a good deed in the best possible way, but one should not create any illusions about what will happen as planned by those praying. It will be as the Lord himself decides, as it will be for the good of man. Therefore, the result must be accepted with a pure heart.

The rules of how to perform Istikhara prayer state that it can be performed at any time when the need arises. There are also no clear instructions about the place of performance, only you need to avoid public, inappropriate places for prayer. Of course, it is best to choose the time that is most convenient, namely the last third of the night. Also remember that, according to Allah’s instructions, the last prayer at night should be virt, so you read istikhara before it.

How to perform namaz (general information)

So, how to perform namaz-istikhara? IN in general terms It is worth saying that a Muslim must first perform ablution and put on clean clothes. Then an additional prayer is performed, and only after that istikhara is read.

This sequence is spoken of in the scriptures - the messengers of Allah talk about it. There are also comments that prayer itself has a special effect. After reading it, believers feel a kind of epiphany that occurs thanks to special attention Allah. If this happens, it means that the issue will be clearly resolved and will bring the best results.

How many times should I repeat namaz-istikhara?

In addition to knowing how istikhara prayer is performed (how to do this ritual step by step), you should also know about the number of times it is performed. It is believed that once before an important task is enough. However, some scriptures (the book “Gardens of the Righteous”) say that one should make two rak’ahs and only then perform istikhara.

Sequence of the ritual

Now we will analyze in detail the ritual of istikhara-namaz, how to do it correctly. The steps will be listed below in sequence.

• First you need to perform ablution.
• Then make intentions. This must be done before starting Istikhara.
• The next step is to perform rak'ah. Surah Kafirun is the sunnah in the first rak'ah. In the second it is Surah “Ikhlyas”.
• The prayer should be completed by saying salam.
• In the following actions, you should raise your hands up, feeling your submission to the will of Allah, and then concentrate on performing the du'a.
• Its beginning is the praise and exaltation of Allah. Afterwards we should remember the Prophet Muhammad (say salawat). In this case, it is better to use the text of the Tashahhud.
• After this, read the entire du'a-istikhara.
• It should be noted that after the phrase “...if You know that this is my business...” you need to insert what istikhara is being performed for. For example, if you are asking for advice on whether to accept this position or not, then this is exactly what you need to talk about. Next come words about a favorable and unfavorable outcome, which also need to be pronounced.
• After this, read salawat to the Prophet. Istikhara is completed, all that remains is to trust in the mercy of Allah and discard all depressing thoughts.

So, now you know the entire sequence of istikhara prayer and how to perform it correctly.

Of course, for each ritual there are special recommendations that it is advisable to adhere to. So in this case, when performing istikhara prayer, the rules read as follows:

• Perform ritual in any, even minor decisions.
• Know and believe that Allah knows the surest path for a favorable resolution of the problem. Remember this while praying.
• Istikhara is considered invalid if it was performed after ratibats that occur during obligatory prayers.
• If you still want to perform istikhara during any nawafil prayer, then it will be correct if the intention was made before you entered the prayer.
• It should be remembered that there are forbidden times for performing prayers. In this case, you must wait until it ends. If it is impossible to wait, the ritual of prayer itself should not be performed - you can only read the du’a.
• There are no special instructions on how to read the prayer correctly. Of course, it is better to learn it by heart, but it will not be a mistake to read it from a page.
• You cannot rearrange anything in the sequence of performing namaz, as well as in the sequence of words of prayer.
• You cannot perform istikhara for someone else. It is only possible for a mother to cry out to Allah to send good things to her children. This can be done in any prayer.

Now, perhaps, you know all the aspects of how to perform Istikhara prayer correctly.

Some questions about Istikhara

It should be said that some believers may have a natural question about what needs to be done first - consult or perform istikhara. According to one of the treatises, first you should pray three times, listen to your feelings, to what Allah says. If the issue has not been resolved and if you have not felt anything, then you should consult with a person who knows about your issue and is a believer (this is a prerequisite). Then do as he said.

In the matter of istikhara prayer, how to do it, as well as the correct sequence of actions, one cannot be careless. If any questions arise during prayer, it is better to turn to knowledgeable people and listen to their advice.

Conclusion

So, after reading the above information, you have learned the main aspects of istikhara prayer, how to perform the ritual correctly, what it is needed for and what it gives a Muslim. As you can see, this is a rather important action for a believer. With its help, even the most difficult matter can take on a completely different perspective. Relying on the Lord in one’s deeds is the true solution in the life of a Muslim. And for those who follow the commandments of Allah, everything is always done in the best possible way (however, this does not mean that it is as intended).

I start with the name of Allah. All praise belongs to Allah, may blessings and greetings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family and companions! May Allah guide us all to what He loves and what He will be pleased with!

Turning to Allah through istikhara is considered the most successful, meaningful and correct method for choosing a solution in cases where a person is in doubt.

The Companions said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us the Istikhara prayer, just as he taught us the surahs from the Koran.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught them to perform istikhara, and the companions said: “We did not write down anything except tashahhud (at-tahiyat) and the method of performing istikhara.” The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) strongly wanted to teach them this. If a person has doubts about a matter, he consults with an alim, with an experienced and knowledgeable person, for example, with a professor, then he will receive satisfaction, but what will be the position of the one who consulted Allah?

Istikhar- this is a consultation with Allah. In your business, you consult with the Almighty, that is, you say: “ O Allah, choose for me what is best in relation to You." With every matter in which there are doubts, turn to Allah through istikhara, be it important matters such as marriage or questions about a position, travel, etc. You can also handle everyday simple matters. If a person consults Allah every day and performs istikhar, then all his deeds will be good. The Almighty will direct his deeds every day for good. Therefore, the scholars performed istikhara every day in all their affairs, leaving the right of choice to Allah.

A person often has doubts when he has to make a choice between two options: choose this or choose that. Or hesitation arises about something: to do it or not to do it. In both cases, turn to Allah, because this is a very simple matter. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “When one of you wishes to do something, let him perform two desired rak’ahs.” Scholars say that in this prayer they read Surah al-Kafirun and Surah Ikhlas, then read this dua:

اللَّهُمَّ إنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلا أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلا أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلامُ الْغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ إنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ (هنا تسمي حاجتك) خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي أَوْ قَالَ: عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ، فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، اللَّهُمَّ وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ (هنا تسمي حاجتك) شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي أَوْ قَالَ: عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ، فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ وَاقْدُرْ لِي الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ ارْضِنِي بِهِ.

« O Allah, I ask You to choose the best by Your knowledge, I ask for strength from You through Your might, truly You can, but I cannot, You know, but I do not know. O Allah, truly this is my business (what you intend to do is mentioned here), if it is useful for me, my religion, for worldly affairs, for the fulfillment of my plans, worldly and akhirat, then make it destiny for me, and send me grace in this matter, and make it easier for me to complete it. And if this matter is harmful for me and my religion, for my worldly affairs, for my plans, worldly and akhirat, turn it away from me and bring closer what is better, wherever it is, and satisfy me with it».

After reading this prayer, a person will be calm, satisfied, and he will have determination. Allah has chosen the best and purest option for you. The Almighty desires your well-being more than you do. Good opinion A slave in relation to Allah is considered to be the realization that after istikhara, the deeds that Allah directed will only be good.

Many people ask: how can I find out the result of istikhara, how can I find out what work Allah has directed me to do? So, in this task, which the Creator directed, a person feels calm and relieved. When you make istikhar, pay attention to the heart, where it is drawn. If your heart is drawn to one of the matters, then go ahead, bismillah tawakkaltualallah (I trust in Allah), - the Almighty will send grace in this matter. Or, when you do istikhar, you will be able to do these things easily, you will understand that Allah has made them easier for you, and ease in doing things is a sign that this is the choice of Allah.

Consulting with others is also the sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). Let's ask ourselves a question: who on earth is smarter than the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)? Who among us can truly distinguish lies from truth better than the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)? Revelations were sent down to him from Allah, but the Almighty taught him to consult with others. Allah Almighty said (meaning): “ ...Forgive them, ask for forgiveness for them and consult with them about matters "(Surah al-Imran, verse 159).

The grace of counsel with others is amazing. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) consulted with Abubakr, with Umar (may Allah be pleased with them), with a group of companions, even consulted with women - in particular, with Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her) - and followed their advice, consulted with Salman al-Farisi (may Allah be pleased with him), who advised the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) to dig a trench. There were many cases when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) followed the advice of those who were near him. Is there anyone among us more intelligent than the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) to say: “I do not need the advice of others”?

Of course, when any of us wants to consult with someone, we need to consult with reasonable, knowledgeable people in this matter, with those who wish you well. In trade, consult with merchants, in religion - with ulama, in medicine - with doctors. This is how a person should always consult others in his affairs. When you consult, make istikhar, and Allah will strengthen your case and will not disappoint you. After all, turning to Allah (He is Holy and Great) is sunnah.

Sermon transcript Muhammad al-Saqafa

Throughout life, everyone more than once encounters “difficulties when a person does not know what to do in a given situation. Has doubts about making decisions, wonders whether “committing this act will be good. When we need to turn to the Almighty and ask Him for help, wanting to get an answer to our question. We seek Allah's help when we undertake things such as marrying someone, buying a house or car, looking for a job, going on a trip, etc. In such important and doubtful moments, every Muslim is required to perform Istikhara prayer.

In Arabic translation, Istikhara means the search for good, choice in action. The choice between two actions, who needs to make one of the correct decisions, preferable to Allah. They say: “Ask Allah for help and He will give you a choice.

Who and when to perform Istikhara prayer

The performance of Istikhara is desirable for those who wish to perform any specific action. If a Muslim hesitates in choosing between several solutions, the worshiper, after carefully listening and weighing the advice of the “experienced,” stops at one thing and performs the Istikhara prayer. After prayer, he follows his intended goal with a calm soul. And if the matter is good, as the Great Allah wishes, he will undoubtedly facilitate it or eliminate this matter. Anyone who reads Istikhara will not repent or doubt the result or outcome of his case. In any case, no matter which of the options comes true, it will be good. It’s great if it turned out the way you wanted and good if it didn’t work out.

It should be noted that this prayer is performed for a specific cause. If we, for example, ask for happiness, success in work and study, health, well-being, new job, family life, then we make the usual prayer (dua).

Istikhara prayer has no “time frame; it can be performed anytime and anywhere (except for places where it is not permissible to pronounce the name of Allah and times that are not permissible for prayer). But the last third of the night is still desirable and preferable. It is also better to read it before reading Witr prayer in accordance with the words of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and send him peace, transmitted from Abdullah son of Umar, may Allah be pleased with them:

اجعلوا آخر صلاتكم بالليل وتراً - “Make Witr your last prayer at night (hadith cited by al-Bukhari and Muslim).

How to perform Istikhara prayer

When you are going to do something and sincerely want Allah to show you the right decision, then for this you first need to perform ablution (wudu) and an additional prayer of 2 rak'ahs. After performing the prayer, a special Prayer (Istikhara) should be read.

It is reported that Jabir bin Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) taught us that we should seek help in all matters, just as he taught us this or that surah from Quran, and said: “If any of you wants to do anything, let him perform an additional prayer of two rak’ahs, and then say:

اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أَسْتَخِيْرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيْمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلاَّمُ الْغُيُوْبِ. اَللَّهُمَّ إِنْ آُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا اْلأَمْرَ - وَيُسَمَّى حَاجَتَهُ- خَيْرٌ لِيْ فِيْ دِيْنِيْ وَمَعَاشِيْ وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِيْ (أَوْ قَالَ: عَاجِلِهِ وَآجِلِهِ) فَاقْدُرْهُ لِيْ وَيَسِّرْهُ لِيْ ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِيْ فِيْهِ، وَإِنْ آُنْتَ تَعْلَمُأَنَّ هَذَا اْلأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِيْ فِيْ دِيْنِيْ وَمَعَاشِيْ وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِيْ (أَوْ قَالَ: عَاجِلِهِ وَآجِلِهِ) فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّيْ وَاصْرِفْنِيْ عَنْهُ وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ آَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِيْ بِهِ

"Allahumma, inni astakhiru-kya bi-"ilmi-kya wa astakdirukya bi-kudrati-kya wa as"alyu-kya min fadli-kya-l-"azimi fa-inna-kya takdiru wa la akdiru, wa ta"lyamu wa la a"lyamu, wa Anta "allamu-l-guyubi! ​​Allahumma, in kunta ta"lyamu anna haza-l-amra hairun li fi dini, wa ma"ashi wa "akibati amri, fa-kdur-hu li wa yassir- hu li, sum barik li fi-hi; wa in kunta ta "lyamu anna haza-l-amra sharrun li fi dini, wa ma" ashi wa "akibati amri, fa-srif-hu "an-ni wa-srif-ni "an-hu wa-kdur lia-l -haira haisu kyana, sum ardi-ni bi-hi."

The general meaning of this prayer is: “O Allah, I ask You to help me with Your knowledge and Your power and I ask You to show me great mercy, for You can, but I cannot, You know, but I do not know, and You know everything about hidden! O Allah, if You know that this deed (and a person should say what he intends to do) will be good for my religion, for my life and for the outcome of my affairs (or: ... sooner or later), then predestine it for me, make it easier for me, and then give me Your blessing for this; if You know that this matter will be harmful to my religion, to my life and to the outcome of my affairs, then take him away from me and lead me away. from it and judge the good for me, wherever it may be, and then lead me to satisfaction with it.”

None of those who asked for help from the Creator and then consulted with the believers created by Him, showing prudence in their affairs, experienced any regrets, for Allah Almighty said: “...And consult with them about matters, and having decided on something - or, trust in Allah" ("The Family of Imran", 159.)

How many times to perform Istikhara prayer?

Before every important task, it is enough to perform Istikhara once.

After asking for advice, the Almighty “inspires the Muslim, guiding him on the righteous path. The one who prays must listen to his heart and do right choice. If the first time he failed to see the “signs,” then “the person should continue reading this prayer until he feels something. AND There is a hadith reported by Ibn al-Sunni, in which it is said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If any issue bothers you, perform Istikhara, praying to Your Lord, then see what is the first feeling that arises in your heart. If after this dua the heart is inclined to do what caused istikhara, then doing it will be better; if the heart is not inclined, then this matter is postponed. If the heart is not inclined to anything, then repeat more than seven times .

Some scholars advised repeating the prayer until “it becomes clear which of the two things is better.

The one who makes Istikhara does not go astray!

Dear brothers and sisters, after we have entrusted ourselves to the Almighty, turned to him with need, having read the prayer “Istikhara and du”a, we just have to do what our heart is in. It is good for each of us and a good sign if Allah made it easier to do a certain thing, the problem was solved easily and easily. And on the contrary, the existence of obstacles on the way is a sign of detachment from unrighteous deeds. Thus, Allah shows us that this should not be done, it should not be done. In both cases, we should be satisfied. , after all, by performing Istikhara, we allow the Almighty to choose for us what is best. Even if at that moment it seems to us that this is not so, may Allah always protect us and lead us along the path of goodness and goodness!

Detailed recommended procedure for performing Istikhara prayer

1) Perform ablution for prayer.

2) It is necessary to make intentions for Istikhara prayer before starting it.

3) Perform two rak’ats. The Sunnah is to read Surah Kafirun in the first rak'ah after Fatiha, and Surah Ikhlyas in the second after Al-Fatiha.

4) At the end of the prayer, say salam.

5) After salam, raise your hands with submission to Allah, realizing His greatness and power, and concentrate on dua.

6) At the beginning of du'a, pronounce words of praise and exaltation to Allah, then say salawat to the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. It will be better if you say salawat to Ibrahim, peace be upon him, as it is pronounced in tashahhud:

« Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim. Wa barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin, kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim. Fil ‘alamina innakya Hamidu-m-Majid! or any other learned form.

7) Then read the dua-istikhara: “ O Allah, truly I ask You to help me with Your knowledge and strengthen me with Your power...to the end.

8) After saying the words “... if you know what this is about, you need to name your goal. For example: “... if you know what this matter is (my trip to such and such a country or buying a car or marrying the daughter of such and such, etc.) - then complete the sentence with the words “... that this matter will be good for my religion, for my life and for the outcome of my affairs (or he said: for this life and the next). These words are repeated twice - where they talk about good and bad outcomes: “... And if You know that this matter will turn out to be evil for my religion, my life and the outcome of my affairs (or he said: for this life and the next) …

10) At this point, the istikhara prayer ends, the outcome of the matter remains with Allah, and the person’s trust in Him remains. You yourself should strive towards your goal and throw away all dreams and everything that oppresses and overcomes. Don't be distracted by all this. You need to strive for the last thing in which you saw good.

Rules for performing Istikhara prayer

1) Accustom yourself to istikhara in every matter, no matter how insignificant it may be.

2) Understand that Allah Almighty will guide you to what will be better. Be sure of this while du'a and thinking about it and understand this great thought.

3) Istikhara read after the ratibats of obligatory (fard) prayers is not valid. On the contrary, it is necessary that these are two separate rak’ahs, read specifically for istikhara.

4) If you want to perform istikhara after voluntary ratibats, dukh prayer or other nawafil prayers, then this is permissible, but on the condition that the intention is made before entering the prayer. But if you started prayer and did not make an intention for istikhara, then this is not correct.

5) If you need to do istikhara during a time forbidden for prayer, then be patient until it is done. time will pass. And if the matter can be completed before the forbidden time ends, then perform prayer at this time and ask for help (istikhara).

6) If you are separated from prayer by a ban on performing prayer (such as menstruation in women), then you should wait until the reason for the ban passes. And if the matter can be completed before the forbidden time ends, and the matter cannot be delayed, then you should ask for help (istikhara) only by reading the du’a, without performing prayer.

7) If you have not memorized the du’a-istikhara, then you can read it from the sheet. But it would be better to learn.

9) If you asked for help (istikhara), then implement what you want and be consistent in it.

10) If the situation has not become clearer for you, then you can repeat istikhara.

11) Do not add anything to the du’a-istikhara and do not subtract anything from it. Follow the text exactly.

12) Don't let your passions control you in what you choose. It is possible that the most correct decision is something that is contrary to your desire (such as marrying so-and-so’s daughter or buying a car you like, etc.). Moreover, the person who performed istikhara must leave his personal choice. Otherwise, what is the point of seeking help from Allah? He will not be completely sincere in his conversion (du'a).

13) Do not forget to consult with knowledgeable and pious people. Combine your istikhara and consultation.

14) Does not ask for help (istikhara) one for another. However, it is very possible when a mother calls on Allah for her son or daughter so that Allah chooses good for them - at any time and in any prayer, in two positions:

the first - in prostration, the second - after tashahhud, salawat for the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him in the form of salawat for Ibrahim, peace be upon him.

15) If there is doubt as to whether there was an intention for istikhara and after the prayer has already begun, it becomes clear that there was no intention, and he is already in prayer, then the intention is made for general prayer. And then a separate prayer for istikhara is performed.

16) If there are many things to do, is it legal to perform one prayer for all the things to do or for each thing to have its own istikhara? It is more correct and better to do a separate istikhara for each task. But if you combine them, there will be nothing wrong with it.

17) There is no istikhara in unwanted matters, not to mention forbidden ones.

18) It is forbidden to make istikhara on the rosary or the Koran (as the Shiites do), may Allah guide them. Istikhara is done only in the permitted way - prayer and du'a.