اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ. اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ - سَمِّهِ بِعَيْنِهِ - خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعِيشَتِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي - أَوْ قَالَ : عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ - فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي، ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ. وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعِيشَتِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي - أَوْ قَالَ : عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ - فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِي الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ، ثُمَّ رَضِّنِي بِهِ.
O Allah, I seek Your guidance [in making a decision] with Your knowledge, and I seek ability [to fulfill it] with Your power, and I ask for Your immense grace. For indeed, You decree and I do not decree, and You know and I do not know, and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter – name it specifically – is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs (or: in my present and future affairs), 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 the outcome of my affairs (or: in my present and future affairs), then turn it away from me and turn me away from it, and decree for me whatever is good, and make me content with it.
Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi'ilmika, wa asta-qdiruka bi-qudratika, wa as'aluka min fadlikal-'adheem. Fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdiru, wa ta'lamu wa la a'lamu, wa anta 'allamul-ghuyub. Allahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna hadhal-amra - sammihi bi-'aynihi - khayrun li fi deeni wa ma'eeshati wa 'aaqibati amri - aw qaala - 'aaajili amri wa aajilihi - faqdirhu li wa yassirhu li, thumma barik li feehi. Wa in kunta ta'lamu anna hadhal-amra sharrun li fi deeni wa ma'eeshati wa 'aaqibati amri - aw qaala - 'aaajili amri wa aajilihi - fasrifhu 'anni wasrifni 'anhu, waqdir li-l-khaira haithu kaana, thumma radhdhini bihi.
When to Read
This dua is specifically for seeking Allah's guidance (Istikhara) when faced with a decision that involves balancing personal ambitions with responsibilities towards your community, family, or broader society. It is recited after performing ablution, praying two rak'ahs of non-obligatory prayer, and then reciting this specific dua while having the decision clearly in mind. This is typically done before retiring to sleep, though it can be recited at other times when a clear decision is needed.
How to Read
The Istikhara prayer is two rak'ahs followed by this dua. It's crucial to have a clear intention and the specific matter you need guidance on in your heart. Name the matter clearly when you say 'hadhal-amra' (this matter). After reciting the dua, trust in Allah's plan. You might experience a sense of clarity, a dream, or simply find yourself inclined towards a particular path. It's also recommended to seek advice from knowledgeable people beforehand. The essence is submission to Allah's will after making your best effort.
Virtues & Benefits
Istikhara is a beautiful Sunnah that strengthens your reliance on Allah (Tawakkul). It removes the burden of decision-making from your shoulders and places it with the All-Knowing Creator. By performing Istikhara, you are essentially asking Allah to choose the best for you, whether you realize it or not. This process can lead to immense peace of mind, contentment, and protection from regret, as you know you've sought the highest guidance available. It helps align your personal aspirations with what is ultimately beneficial and pleasing to Allah.
Source & Authentication
Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) said: 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 Quran. He said: 'If anyone of you is concerned about a matter he should pray two Rak'ahs of non-obligatory prayer and then say: Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi'ilmika, wa asta-qdiruka bi-qudratika, wa as'aluka min fadlikal-'adheem. Fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdiru, wa ta'lamu wa la a'lamu, wa anta 'allamul-ghuyub. Allahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna hadhal-amra khayrun li fi deeni wa ma'eeshati wa 'aaqibati amri (or 'aaajili amri wa aajilihi) faqdirhu li wa yassirhu li, thumma barik li feehi. Wa in kunta ta'lamu anna hadhal-amra sharrun li fi deeni wa ma'eeshati wa 'aaqibati amri (or 'aaajili amri wa aajilihi) fasrifhu 'anni wasrifni 'anhu, waqdir li-l-khaira haithu kaana, thumma radhdhini bihi. And the wording should be changed according to the need.'