اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَخَيْرَ أَهْلِهَا وَخَيْرَ مَا فِيهَا، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ أَهْلِهَا وَشَرِّ مَا فِيهَا، اللَّهُمَّ اقْضِ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا عَوْرًا، وَيَسِّرْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا عَوْرًا
O Allah, I ask You for its [this matter's] goodness, and the goodness of what it contains, and I seek refuge in You from its evil, and the evil of what it contains. O Allah, make our decision easy for us and guide us to what is best.
Allahumma inni as'aluka khairaha wa khaira ahliha wa khaira ma fiha, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ahliha wa sharri ma fiha. Allahumma-qdhi lana min amrina 'auran, wa yassir lana min amrina 'auran.
When to Read
This dua is specifically recommended when contemplating a significant life decision, such as choosing a spouse, a career path, a place to live, or embarking on a major project. Recite it when you feel the weight of the decision and the accompanying anxiety, seeking Allah's direct guidance and wisdom.
How to Read
First, perform Wudu (ablution). It is best to perform two rak'ahs of voluntary prayer (Salat al-Istikhara) before reciting this dua. Face the Qiblah, be sincere in your intention, and then recite this supplication. You can recite it after the tasleem of your prayer, with your hands raised, or at any other time you are making a major decision and feel the need for divine assistance. Focus on the meaning and ask Allah with conviction.
Virtues & Benefits
The Istikhara prayer and this accompanying dua are a beautiful embodiment of tawakkul (reliance on Allah). By seeking His guidance, you acknowledge that you do not possess all knowledge or foresight. This act brings immense peace to the heart, as you entrust the outcome to the One who knows what is best. It helps alleviate anxiety by shifting the burden of decision-making from yourself to Allah, knowing He will guide you towards what is beneficial for you in this life and the next, even if the outcome isn't immediately apparent. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this prayer so that the Ummah would not be at a loss when facing important choices.
Source & Authentication
Jabir bin 'Abdillah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to teach us the Istikhara in all affairs of life as he used to teach us the Surahs of the Qur'an. He would say: 'If anyone of you is concerned about a matter, he should pray two rak'ahs of non-obligatory prayer, and then say: O Allah, I seek of You guidance with Your knowledge, and the power to fulfill it with Your power, and I beg of You Your magnificent grace, for You have the power and I have not, and You have knowledge and I have not, and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter (and then he should mention the specific matter) is good for me in this world and in the Hereafter, then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. O Allah, if You know that this matter is evil for me in this world and in the Hereafter, then turn it away from me and turn me away from it, and ordain for me the good wherever it may be and make me content with it.'