We will describe in more detail How to read the Istikhara prayer? Invaluable dua for making the right decision I made a decision without performing istikhara. I'm doomed

1. What if I still can't make a decision?

Then know that God simply has not manifested this inclination in your heart yet. This may be a sign that God ﷻ wants you to continue to pray and ask Him for help and assistance in this process. Continue making du'a. Never lose hope. Even if you have asked a thousand times and still remain unanswered, this is not a reason to give up.

2. Is it possible to read istikhara for another person?

3. What should I do if I do not observe religious fards and assume that my du'a will not be answered?

Allah is Merciful to everyone. Even the greatest sinner can repent and ask Allah. It depends on your sincerity and trust in Allah.

4. What if the decision affects more than just me?

Then everyone concerned must perform their istikhara.

5. Can I perform istikhara even if I am confident in my decision?

Yes, because it will increase the blessings in your actions. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) performed istikhara even for simple everyday occasions.

6. Can I recite du'a without performing two rak'ahs of prayer?

Reading du'a [supplication] will also be sufficient. The Prophet ﷺ recommended performing a prayer of two rak'ahs, but you can only read du'a if you do it on an ongoing basis, or if you need to make an immediate decision. Also for a Muslim woman who given time for valid reasons cannot perform namaz, it is permissible to say dua without physical prayer.

7. What should I do if I can’t read Arabic and I have serious problems with pronunciation?

Read the du'a in Russian and know that Allah understands your prayers, no matter what language they are said in. And as always, pray to God with all your heart. God wants to know that you are truly and sincerely asking Him and only His. If the meaning of your du'a is distorted due to problematic pronunciation, it is permissible to make du'a in your native language.

8. If Allah understands all languages ​​and traditions, then why should I read this in Arabic?

Because the Prophet ﷺ is the one who taught us this spirit and by saying exactly the words that he said, we receive additional blessings. In addition, his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) said that the Prophet ﷺ taught them this spirit." and how he ﷺ taught them parts of the Quran.

9. I made a decision without performing istikhara. Am I doomed?

No. Istikhara is a slave's way of asking his Lord for blessings in his decision, however the Lord shows his nobility and generosity regardless of the actions of his slave.

10. Is there a maximum number of times Istikhara can be performed for one particular decision?

The Prophet ﷺ did not give us a number. Therefore, once or several thousand times, it all depends on the person. (In the book “Kifaya 1” by the famous mufassir and muhaddith Sheikh Muhammad Sadiq Muhammad Yusuf there is a statement about the permission to perform Istikhara prayers up to 7 times). If you still don't feel inclined to make a decision, keep asking. If you feel an inclination, then know that it is from God and accept it. There is no need to constantly perform istikhara to be absolutely sure of your decision.

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 of the Quran, and said: “If any of you wants to do anything, let him pray an additional prayer of two rak’ahs, and then say: الْعَ ظِيْمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلاَّمُ الْغُيُوْبِ. - ِيْ دِيْنِيْ وَمَعَاشِيْ وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِيْ (أَوْ قَالَ: ِ وَآجِلِهِ) فَاقْدُرْهُ لِيْ وَيَسِّرْهُ ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِيْ The دِيْنِيْ وَمَعَاشِيْ وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِيْ (أَاالَ: عَاجِلِهِ وَآجِلِهِ) The َ 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"lamu wa la a"lamu, 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 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 what is 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." 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.” There is a hadith narrated by Ibn al-Sunni in which it is said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah 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.” Some scholars advised repeating the prayer until it “reveals” 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 “Istikhara” prayer and du’a, all we have to do is do what our heart is in. It is considered 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. be satisfied, because 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 the case. May Allah always protect us and guide us along the path of goodness and goodness! : 1) Make ablution for prayer. 2) It is necessary to make intentions for prayer-istikhara before starting it. 3) Perform two rak'ahs to read Surah Kafirun in the first rak'ah, and in the second. after Al-Fatiha, Surah Ikhlyas. 4) At the end of the prayer, say salam. 5) After salam, raise your hands with submission to Allah, realizing His greatness and power, concentrate on the dua. 6) At the beginning of the dua, say 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 pronounce the salawat to Ibrahim, peace be upon him, the way it is pronounced in the 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 du "a-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,” you need 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 statement with the words “... what is 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 a good and bad outcome: “... And if You know that this matter will turn out to be evil for my religion, my life and for the outcome of my affairs (or he said: for this life and the future) ... "9) Then read the salawat to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as before and the salawat to Ibrahim, peace be upon him. 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 wish to perform istikhara after voluntary ratibats, dukh prayer or other nawafil prayers, then this is permitted, 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 namaz. 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. 8) It is permissible to read du’a-istikhara before completing the prayer, before salam after tashahhud. Just as it is permissible to read it after prayer. 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.

How to perform Istikhara prayer correctly, what to read and what duas to use to perform it?

As it came in the hadith that Al-Bukhari and others narrated from Jabir that he said: “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, taught us the prayer of Istikhara, as he taught us a surah from the Koran, and said: “When If any of you wants to do anything, let him pray two rak'ahs in addition to the obligatory ones, and then say:

“O Allah, verily, I ask You to help me with Your knowledge and strengthen me with Your power and I ask You for Your great mercy, for, verily, You can, but I cannot, You know, but I do not know, and You know everything about what is hidden (from people)! O Allah, if You know that this matter (here a person should say what he wants) 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 life), then predetermine it for me and make it easier for me, and then give me Your blessing for it; if You know that this matter will become evil for my religion, for my life and for the outcome of my affairs (or he said: for this life and the life to come), then turn him away from me, and turn me away from him, and predestine it is good for me wherever it is, and then lead me to satisfaction with it.”

Transcription for Istikhara prayer

Transcription of dua for Istikhara prayer

There is an inaccuracy in the transcription in the photo. You need to read it like this:

Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi 'ilmika wa astakdiruka bi kudratika wa asaluka min fadlikal Azym, fa innaka takdiru wa la aqdiru, wa ta'lamu wa la a'lyamu wa anta 'allamul g'uyub. Allahumma in kunta ta'lyamu anna hazal amra (then he will clarify his business) khairun li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa 'akibati amri (or: 'adjilihi wa ajilihi), faqdurhu li wa yasirhu li sum barik li fihi.

Va in kunta ta'lyamu anna Khazal amru sharrun li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa 'akibati amri (or 'adjilihi wa ajilihi) fasrifhu anni vasrifni ankhu, vakdurlil khoira hyaysu kanna sum ardyn bihi.

Here are some benefits of this prayer:

• 1. The words of the Prophet “Do something...” are generalized words that mean specific
• An example of where istikhara is appropriate is, for example, marriage, or opening a business, etc. see Sharh Sunan Abi Daud, 8-304
• 2. The words of Jabir: “..taught us the istikhara prayer, as he taught us the sura from the Koran..”. Sheikh Muhammad Ali Adam al-Asyubi said: “That is: he paid attention to istikhara the same as he paid to the sura from the Koran, and this is because of the great benefit of this prayer, and the generality of this benefit” see “Sharh an-Nasai”, 27 -175
• 3. “I wanted to do something...” - scientists disagree on whether this means that this is just something that flashed in his thoughts, or something that a person was determined to do. Sheikh Muhammad Ali Adam al-Asyubi said: “The first probable meaning is very far from the meaning of the hadith, and one should not turn to it, and be sure to attribute it to the second probable meaning” (that is, that istikhara is read only when there is already a serious intention to commit something) see Sharh al-Nasai, 27-176
• 4. “Two rak’ahs,” said Sheikh Muhammad Ali Adam al-Asyubi: “The Sunnah will be limited to two rak’ahs, as it came in the hadith,” see Sharh an-Nasai, 27-176
• 5. “..Prayer in addition to the obligatory prayers..” - this is a dalil for what is unreliable and not legitimized by the dua al-istikhara after the obligatory prayers, see “Aun al-ma’bud”, 3-461, “Sharh zad al- Mustakni'", 7-50. As for rauatib, the more correct opinion of scholars is that two rak'ahs of istikhara are required in themselves, therefore it is performed separately from all other prayers.
• 6. An-Nawawi said that it is advisable to read the suras “Al-Kafirun” and “Al-Ikhlyas” in these two rakats. Hafiz al-Iraqi said in Sharh al-Tirmidhi: “I DID NOT FIND a dalil for this” see Sharh an-Nasai, 27-177. Sheikh Muhammad Ali Adam al-Aswi said: “What they (an-Nawawi and others) said needs a dalil, and if there is a reliable dalil, then we will say according to his instructions, otherwise readable surahs there is no limitation to anything that is mentioned, and there is a wide range of choice in this matter” see Sharh an-Nasai, 27-177.
• 7. “And then let him say...” said Sheikh Muhammad Ali Adam al-Asyubi: “These words are clear in indicating that the dua is read after completing the prayer” see “Sharh an-Nasai”, 27-177. Ibn Abi Jamra said: “The wisdom is that the prayer is done before the dua, that the purpose of istikhara is to collect between the good dunya and the good last life, and for this you need to knock on the door of the King, and there is nothing better to promote success in this than prayer, thanks to the exaltation of Allah, and praise of Him, and the manifestation of the need for Him, in current moment and ultimately what it contains” see Fath al-Bari, 12-480.
• 8. Istikhara prayer is desirable. Hafiz al-Iraqi said: “I have not seen anyone who would say that istikhara is obligatory” see Sharh an-Nasai, 27-181.
• 9. It is common that after istikhara you need to wait until you feel something or have a dream, but this is not true, since those imams who said this relied on a very weak hadith transmitted by Ibn al-Sunni. Hafiz Ibn Hajar said about this opinion: “If this hadith were reliable, then one should rely on it, however, its isnad is extremely weak” see “Fath al-Bari”, 12-481

Sheikh al-Asyubi said: “It seems to me that what Ibn Abdus-Salam said, may Allah have mercy on him, is more correct, since the benefit of performing istikhara is that Allah Almighty will make it easier for His servant who performed istikhara, that better for him. Therefore, when he succeeded in doing something and found it easier, after he performed istikhara to Allah Almighty and entrusted Him with this matter of his and asked Him to make it easier for him, this is an indication that Allah answered him. And he should not stop doing this work, since it is best for him.” See Sharh an-Nasai, 27-182

For those who intend to do something, but doubt, do not know what it will lead to, what the end will be and whether it is worth starting at all, the Prophet (ﷺ) advised to do namaz-istikhara. The word “istikhara” means “choosing the right decision (option).”

Namaz-Istikhara

This prayer consists of two rak'ahs. The intention is pronounced like this: “ I intend to perform two rak'ah prayers-istikhara " In the first rak'ah after Surah " Al-Fatiha "read the sura" Al-Kafirun ", in the second - " Ikhlas " Whoever is able - in the first rak'ah before Surah Al-Kafirun, can read the verse " Wa rabbuna yakhluku... " to the end, and in the second before "Ikhlas" - verse " Wa ma kana limu'min..."to the end. It's better and the rewards for it will be greater. But if you don’t know them, you don’t have to read them.

Then, as taught (ﷺ) either in sajda (bow) of the last rak’ah, or after reading “At-tahiyatu”, before or after “Salam” the dua is read:

« Allahumma innu astahiruka bi'ilmika wa astakdiruka bikudratika wa asaluka min fazlika-l-'azum(i), fa innaka tikdiru wa la akdiru wa ta'lamu wa la a'lamu wa anta 'allamul guyub(i), Allahumma in kunta ta 'lamu anna hazal amra (what you intend to do is mentioned here) hairun lú fú dunú wa ma'ashú wa 'áqibati amrú wa 'ájilihú wa ájilihú fakdurhu lú wa yasirhu lú sum barik lú fúh (i), wa in kunta ta' lamu anna hazal amra (intention is also mentioned here) sharrun lú fú dunú wa ma'ashú wa 'áqibati amrú wa 'ájilihú wa ajilihú fasrifhu 'annú wasrifnú 'anhu vakdur li haira haisu kána sum ardinú bih(ú) ».

« O my 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 my Allah, verily, my deed, intention (what you intend to do is mentioned here), if it is useful for me, my religion, for worldly affairs, for the fulfillment of my future and present plans, then make it destiny for me and send me grace (barakat) in this matter and make it easier for me to complete it. And if this matter (here is also mentioned what you intend to do) is harmful to me and my religion, to my worldly affairs, to my plans, future or present, turn it away from me and bring closer what is better, wherever it is it was, and satisfy me with this».

This dua is given in the hadith narrated by Buhari, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi and others.

It is sunnah to give praise to Allah Almighty and the blessings of the Prophet (ﷺ) at the beginning and at the end of this dua.

If after this your heart is inclined to do what you have planned, do it, you will find (barakat) in it. If you don’t want to do it, don’t do it, this will also be a barakat. If your heart is not inclined to either one or the other decision, perform namaz and read the dua again. In the book " Ithaf“It is said that it is better to repeat this prayer seven times. If, even after repeated istikhara prayers, doubts are not resolved, then it is better to postpone what you have planned, and if it is not possible to postpone, then act at your own discretion, relying on Allah Almighty.

If, when entering into any prayer, be it obligatory or optional, one has the intention of performing the Istikhara prayer at the same time, then this prayer includes the Istikhara prayer, and after this prayer the dua of Istikhara is read.

Imam an-Nawawi says that if after any prayer the dua istikhara is read, then the istikhara prayer, like the sunnah, is also considered fulfilled. If it is not possible to perform namaz, then you can only read this prayer, and this is also istikhara.

Imam an-Nawawi also said: “ The one who performs istikhara should not begin it, in advance inclined to one of the decisions. He must be sure that everything is in the will of Allah Almighty, and must begin istikhara with the hope that Allah Almighty will help him choose the right decision. You should stand before Allah Almighty with reverence, expressing your request and your need for Him." For the commission of other acts that Shariah makes Muslims obligated to do, istikhara is not done. But it is possible to determine the time of their commission, if this act can be committed later.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “ Appealing to Allah Almighty with a request to choose the right decision is happiness for a person " (Hadith reported by Ahmad, Abu Ya'la and Hakim)

Another hadith cited by Tabarani says: “ Whoever performs istikhara will not be left without an answer; whoever takes advice will not grieve ».

Al-Bukhari reports from Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him): “ Messenger of Allah ( ﷺ) taught us istikhara in the same way as he taught us to read suras from the Koran ».

Muhyiddin Arabi says: “ For those close to Allah Almighty, it is better to set aside a certain time in the day to perform Istikhara prayer." There he also writes how to read the prayer. (“Ithaf”, 3/775)

From the book " Shafi'i fiqh»

If some business arises, but a person doubts whether to do it or not, or when to do it, then in this case it is necessary to perform istikhara.

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.

IN lexical meaning, istikhara means seeking good in some matter. They say: “Ask Allah for help and He will give you a choice” .
In the terminological meaning of istikhara - the search for choice, i.e. the search for where to put efforts that will be preferable to Allah.

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 ﷺ 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).

Scholars are unanimous in their opinion (ijma) that the Istikhara prayer is the Sunnah. The argument for its legality is the words cited by Imam Al-Bukhari from the companion Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him: “O Allah, truly I ask You to help me with Your knowledge and strengthen me with Your power and I ask You from Your Great Mercy...”

When a believer in Allah is faced with situations where he does not know what to do and has doubts, he needs to turn to the Creator of heaven and earth, the Creator of people, raising his hands and crying out for help, wanting to receive an answer to the appeal (dua). He prays for peace and ease of affairs and, trusting in Allah, humbly awaits the outcome. Allah Almighty said: “By the grace of Allah you were gentle towards them. But if you were rude and hard-hearted, they would certainly leave you. Forgive them, ask for forgiveness for them and consult with them about matters. When you make a decision, then trust in Allah, for Allah loves those who trust.”. (Surah al-Imrana, verse 159). Qatada said: “Whoever consults with people, doing this only for the sake of the face of Allah, will not otherwise be directed to the best path in his business.”. Imam an-Nawawi in the chapter “Istikhara (request for help) and mushawara (consultation with people)” said: “Istikhara is with Allah, Mushawara is with people of knowledge and piety. After all, man is not perfect and makes mistakes. Man is a weak creature. He may be confused by various situations, and when he encounters this, what should he do?” Sheikh ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “The one who asked for help (made istikhara) of the Creator did not regret, consulted with the creatures and decided on his own business.”

What time does Istikhara prayer perform?

After a person has listened to the advice of experienced and more knowledgeable people, he must perform the istikhara ritual and then go to 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 Witr, so you read Istikhara before it.

How is Istikhara prayer performed?

Istikhara prayer, like any other prayer, is the worship of Allah Almighty, and therefore the first thing a Muslim must do is ablution (wudu-taharat) 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.

Below will be listed all the actions of Istikhara prayer in sequence.

1) Voodoo - Taharat. Perform ablution for prayer.
2) Niyat. It is necessary to make intentions for Istikhara prayer before starting it.
3) Perform two rak’ahs of prayer. The sunnah is to read Surah al-Kafirun in the first rak'ah after al-Fatiha, and read Surah al-Ikhlas in the second after al-Fatiha.
4) Complete the prayer by saying salam.
5) After salam, raise your hands with submission to Allah, realizing His greatness and power, and then concentrate on performing the du’a.
6) At the beginning of the dua, say words of praise and exaltation to Allah, then say salawat to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It will be better if you say salawat to Ibrahim, peace be upon him, the way it is pronounced in the tashahhud:

اللّهُـمَّ صَلِّ عَلـى مُحمَّـد، وَعَلـى آلِ مُحمَّد، كَمـا صَلَّيـتَ عَلـىإبْراهـيمَ وَعَلـى آلِ إبْراهـيم، إِنَّكَ حَمـيدٌ مَجـيد ، اللّهُـمَّ بارِكْ عَلـى مُحمَّـد، وَعَلـى آلِ مُحمَّـد، كَمـا بارِكْتَ عَلـىإبْراهـيمَ وَعَلـى آلِ إبْراهيم، إِنَّكَ حَمـيدٌ مَجـيد

Allahumma salli "ala Muhammadin wa "ala ali Muhammadin, kya-ma sallayta "ala Ibrahima wa "ala ali Ibrahima, inna-kya Hamidun, Majidun. Al-lahumma, barik "ala Muhammadin wa" ala ali Muhammadin kya-ma barakta "ala Ibrahima wa "ala ali Ibrahima, inna-kya Hamidun, Majidun! Translation of meaning: O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim, verily You are Worthy of Praise. Glorious! O Allah, send blessings to Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent them to Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim, truly. You are Praiseworthy, Glorious! or any other learned form.
7) Then read the du'a of istikhara prayer, which is given below.
8) After speaking 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 travel to such and such a country or buying a car or marrying the daughter of such and such, etc.) - then complete the dua 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 for the outcome of my affairs (or he said: for this life and the future) ...”
9) Then read salawat to the Prophet ﷺ, as before and salawat to Ibrahim, peace be upon him.
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.

Prayer (du`a) of Istikhara prayer

“When one of you wants to do any work, then let him perform an additional prayer of two rak'ahs, and then say: “O Allah, truly I ask You to help me with Your knowledge, and strengthen me with Your power and I ask you from Your Great Mercy, for truly You know, but I do not know, for You are the Knower of the hidden. O Allah, if You know that this matter will be good for me in my religion and for my life and for the outcome of my affairs, then predetermine it for me and make it easier for me, and then make it blessed for me. 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), then give him away from me and give me away from him, and predetermine goodness for me wherever it is, and then make me happy with it.” And he said: “And let him indicate his business.” (Bukhari No. 1166).

اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلاَّمُ الْغُيُوبِ. اَللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا اْلأَمْرَ - وَيُسَمَّى حَاجَتَهُ- خَيرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِيْ ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا اْلأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي (أَوْ قَالَ: عَاجِلِهِ وَآجِلِهِ) فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِيْ عَنْهُ وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الْخَيرَ حَيْثُ كانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي 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'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-khu li, sum barik li fi-hi; wa in kunta ta'lamu anna haza-l-amra sharrun li fi dini, wa ma'ashi wa 'akibati amri, (here the person should say what he intends to do - in his native language) fa-srif-hu ‘an-ni wa-srif-ni ‘an-hu wa-kdur liya-l-haira haisu kyana, sum ardi-ni bi-hi”

Istikhara (Arabic: الاستخارة‎‎)- this is asking the Lord for blessings and guidance on the path pleasing to Him. Prayer "Istikhara" occurs when it is necessary to choose the most correct way to resolve the problems facing a person, during a period of mental confusion and doubts that overcome him when making a particular decision.
A God-fearing believer must ask for guidance and instruction from the Almighty in all his affairs. And if you sincerely trust in the Wisdom and Omniscience of Allah, then Allah will always show you the right decision.
In order to accomplish "Istikhara namaz" you need to get up at night to perform a small ablution (wudu-taharat) and then perform prayer (namaz).
The Istikhara prayer consists of two rak'ahs: in the first rak'ah after the surah "al-Fatiha" read "al-Kafirun"(Holy Koran, 109), in the second - "al-Ikhlas"(Holy Quran, 112).

Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah send him peace and good greetings, taught us the Istikhara prayer, as he taught us surahs from the Koran, and said: “When one of you wants to do any work, then let him perform an additional prayer of two rak'ahs, and then say: “O Allah, truly I ask You to help me with Your knowledge, and strengthen me with Your power and I ask you from Your Great Mercy, for truly You know, but I do not know, for You are the Knower of the hidden. O Allah, if You know that this matter will be good for me in my religion and for my life, and for the outcome of my affairs (or he said: for this life and the next), then predetermine it for me and make it easier for me, and then do its a blessing to me. And if You know that this matter will turn out to be evil for my religion, my life and for the outcome of my affairs (or he said: for this life and the next), then give him away from me and give me away from him, and predetermine good for me wherever no matter what it was, and then make me happy with it.” And he said: “And let him indicate his business.”(Bukhari No. 1166).

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

We will describe in more detail How to read the Istikhara prayer?

It is advisable to begin and end this du'a-conversion, like all similar prayers, with words of praise to the Lord and asking Him for blessings for the Prophet Muhammad and his family:
“Al-hamdu lil-lyah, you-salayatu you-salayamu ‘alaya sayidina muhammadin wa ‘alaya eelihi wa sahbihi ajma’iyin”.

After finishing the prayer, it is advisable for the future to go to bed in ablution (wudu-taharat) with his face facing towards the Qibla. If in a dream you see white or green then the matter will be successful insha Allah, but if the color is black or red it will be harmful.
If you did not find a solution to your task (problem) the first time, then repeat the prayer for several days, insha Allah the solution will not be applied. This is what the famous theologian al-‘Iraqi said, as well as many other scholars.
A hadith narrated by Anas says: “If you are preoccupied with any matter, then perform Istikhara seven times, then listen to what your heart inclines towards.” . However, muhaddiths (hadith scholars) point out the insufficient reliability of this hadith and the impossibility of its canonical use, although the use of the hadith from the position of general wisdom is not excluded.
At the same time, it is reliably known that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon him) often repeated one prayer (du’a) three times.
In conclusion, it is useful to recall the words of the great Imam al-Nawawi: “The one who performs Istikhara must completely renounce internal, personal desire and rely on the will of the Creator. This is exactly what you will be asking from the Lord, and not from yourself.”

O Allah! Verily, I ask You useful knowledge, a good destiny and such a deed that will be accepted!!!