It is narrated from Hazrat Jaabir (
) that Rasulullah (
) used to teach us the dua of istikharah for important matters in the same manner as he used to teach us the Surahs of the Qur’aan.
He () used to say, ”When you intend doing any important work, then read two rakaats nafl salaat and thereafter read this dua.” (which is mentioned below) [Bukhari-pg. 944]
Rasulullah () once remarked to Anas () “O Anas! When you are undecided with regards to any matter, then seek counsel from your Rabb and do this seven times. Thereafter, whatever decision prevails in your heart regard it to be beneficial.” [Shaami-Vol.1, pg. 507]
Note: It is not necessary that one sees a dream or hears a voice. Asking another person to make Istikhaarah on one’s behalf is not substantiated from any hadith. To make Mashwarah (consultation) with someone else is Sunnah.
It has been mentioned in the hadith that whomsoever makes Mashwarah will never regret and whomsoever makes Istikhaarah will never be unsuccessful.
If one does not get the opportunity to perform Salaatul Istikhaarah and needs to make Istikhaarah urgently, then reciting the dua of Istikhaarah only will suffice. If one has not learnt the dua of Istikhaarah then one should recite this concise dua:
[Shaami-Vol.1]
The Dua of Istikhara
- At this point you will bring to mind the matter for which you are making istikhaarah.
Translation: O Allah, I ask you of good through Your knowledge, and ability through Your power, and beg (Your favour) out of your infinite bounty. For surely You have power, I have none. You know all, I know not. You are the great knower of all unseen things.
O Allah, if in Your knowledge this matter is good for my faith, for my livelihood, and for the consequences of my affairs then ordain it for me and make it easy for me and bless me there in. But, if in Your knowledge this matter is bad for my faith, for my livelihood, and for the consequences of my affairs, then turn it away from me, and turn me away from it and ordain for me the good wherever it be, and cause me to be pleased therewith.
After having recited this dua, adopt that aspect towards which the heart is inclined.
Source: Beautiful Sunnah of Beloved Nabi (saw) By Hazrat Maulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Sahab (db)
Urdu Version: Pyare Nabi (saw) Ki Pyari Sunnatain
July 14th, 2008 at 6:22 am
JazakAllah khair. May Allah increase the age of Hazrat wala g, and may we continue to benefit from his bayanats.
Same for Hazrat Afroze abdullah. Also to the translators, updaters, maintainers and everyone related to this web blog, website and the Khanqah.
July 14th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Masha-allah Beyshak! Istakara karney key baad Khabi Nadamat nahi Hoti
July 16th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
AsSalammu-Allykum,
What is the translation/meaning of the small-istikhara Dua (from Shaami-Vol 1) right above the ‘The Dua of Istikhara’?
Remember me in your duas.
Jazak-Allah Khair for the post.
July 17th, 2008 at 3:14 am
Translation of the short version of the Istikharah dua is
“O Allah, make it worthwhile and select for me”.
But remember this is only for emergency use and in times when you don’t have to rush into something, it is always beneficial to offer Salat-ul-Istikharah.
August 6th, 2008 at 12:15 am
kia istakhara ho sakta hay meray ristay k liye ? plz reply
August 6th, 2008 at 12:16 am
Asalamoalekum ,
mujhay istakhara nikalwana hay plz mujhay bataye janab
August 7th, 2008 at 1:22 am
Istekharah khud hi kerna chaahiye aur ye bauhat asaan hai.
2 raka’at nafl namaz perh ker ooper dee howee dua (The dua of Istekharah) perhein aur uss k ba’ad jis taraf dil ki raghbat mehsoos ho uss per a’amal karein. Article mein dee gayein hidayaat per a’amal karein, inshaAllah istekharey ka faidah mehsoos hoga.
August 11th, 2008 at 6:59 am
MASHALLAH this is the correct and SUNNAT TARIKAH of ISTIKHARA perform it and
u will never be let down…