اللَّهُمَّ اسْتَخِرْ بِكَ، وَأَجِرْ بِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ العَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلاَّمُ الغُيُوبِ.
O Allah, I seek the best from You, by Your knowledge, and I seek Your ability (to do this deed), and I ask of Your immense favor. For indeed You have power and I have no power, You have knowledge and I have no knowledge, and You are the Knower of the unseen.
Allahumma istakhira bika, wa ajira bika, wa as'aluka min fadlikal-'adheem. Fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdir, wa ta'lamu wa la a'lam, wa anta 'allamul-ghuyub.
When to Read
This dua is the core of Istikhara, seeking Allah's guidance when faced with a decision, especially when deliberating with a group. Whether it's choosing a project direction, selecting a committee member, or deciding on a community initiative, recite this dua before or during the discussion to ask Allah to direct you to the best outcome. It's particularly useful when different opinions exist and you need clarity on the most beneficial path forward for everyone involved.
How to Read
Istikhara prayer involves performing two rak'ahs of prayer, followed by reciting this specific dua. However, in a group setting where a formal prayer might not be feasible, the essence of seeking Allah's guidance can be invoked by reciting this dua with sincere intention and focus. You can recite it quietly to yourself or, if appropriate and agreed upon by the group, voice it together with supplication. The key is the humility and reliance on Allah's wisdom when seeking the best course of action.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua as part of the Istikhara prayer ensures that your decision is guided by Allah's infinite knowledge and power, rather than your own limited understanding or biases. It brings peace of mind, knowing that you've actively sought divine counsel, and it's believed to lead to the best possible outcome, whether that's proceeding with the decision, averting a potential harm, or finding an even better alternative. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua to show us how to approach significant choices with reliance on the Creator.
Source & Authentication
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) taught us the dua for seeking guidance in all matters, just as he taught us the Surahs of the Quran. He said: 'When anyone intends to do a matter, he should pray two rak'ahs of non-obligatory prayer, and then say: Allahumma istakhira bika, wa ajira bika, wa as'aluka min fadlikal-'adheem. Fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdir, wa ta'lamu wa la a'lam, wa anta 'allamul-ghuyub. ... (The dua continues in the original hadith to ask for guidance, the means of doing it, and its consequences).'