اللَّهُمَّ اسْتَخِرْ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَاسْتَقْدِرْ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ العَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلاَّمُ الغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ - (ثم تسمي حاجتك) - خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعِيشَتِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي - (أو قال: في عاجل أمري وآجله) - فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي، وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي، ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعِيشَتِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي - (أو قال: في عاجل أمري وآجله) - فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي، وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِي الخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ، ثُمَّ رَضِّنِي بِهِ.
O Allah, I seek Your guidance with Your knowledge, and I seek ability with Your power, and I ask of Your great bounty. For indeed, You decree and I have no power; You know and I do not know; and You are the Knower of the Unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter – (then name your need) – is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my end, (or he said: in my present and my future) then decree it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my end, (or he said: in my present and my future) then turn it away from me, and turn me away from it, and decree for me that which is good, wherever it may be, and make me content with it.
Allahumma, astakhir bi 'ilmika, wa-staqdir bi qudratika, wa as'aluka min fadlikal-'adheem. Fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdiru, wa ta'lamu wa la a'lamu, wa anta 'allamul-ghuyyub. Allahumma, in kunta ta'lamu anna hadhal-amr (then name your need) khayrun li fi deeni wa ma'eeshati wa 'aaqibati amri (or 'ajiili amri wa aajilih), fa-qdurhu li, wa yassirhu li, thumma barik li feeh. Wa in kunta ta'lamu anna hadhal-amr sharrun li fi deeni wa ma'eeshati wa 'aaqibati amri (or 'ajiili amri wa aajilih), fasrifhu 'anni, wasrifni 'anhu, wa-qdur li-l-khaira haithu kaana, thumma radhdhini bih.
When to Read
This is the renowned Dua al-Istikhara, a beautiful supplication for seeking the best outcome when faced with a decision, especially important in group settings where diverse opinions need to align. Recite it before a significant meeting, committee discussion, or any group undertaking where a consensus or a path forward needs to be decided. It’s about entrusting the final decision to Allah’s perfect wisdom.
How to Read
Ideally, one should perform two rak'ahs of voluntary prayer (Salah al-Istikhara) followed by reciting this dua. If time does not permit prayer, reciting the dua itself with sincere intention and focus is beneficial. Make sure to clearly identify the specific matter for which you are seeking guidance when reciting the phrase '(then name your need)'. Focus on the meaning and let your heart be open to Allah's will, whether through a clear inclination towards a decision or a feeling of aversion.
Virtues & Benefits
The Istikhara prayer and dua are a way to connect with Allah’s infinite knowledge and power when our own understanding is limited. By seeking His guidance, we are acknowledging our dependence on Him and asking for what is truly best for us, even if we cannot perceive it. This practice brings peace of mind, reduces anxiety over decisions, and ensures that whatever outcome occurs, we have sought the best from the One who knows all futures.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to teach us the Istikhara in all matters as he used to teach us the Surah from the Quran. He said: "If anyone wants to do a certain deed, he should pray two rak'ahs other than the obligatory ones and then say (the dua): 'O Allah, I seek Your guidance... (full dua text here)' and after that, he should mention his need." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1166).