اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ. اللَّهُمَّ فَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ - (تسمي حاجتك) - خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعِيشَتِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي - (وفي رواية: عاجل أمري وآجله) - فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي، ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ. اللَّهُمَّ وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ - (تسمي حاجتك) - شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعِيشَتِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي - (وفي رواية: عاجل أمري وآجله) - فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِي الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ، ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي بِهِ.
O Allah, I seek guidance from Your knowledge, and I seek power from Your power, and I ask of Your abundant 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 – (mention your need here) – is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs – (and in another narration: in my present and future affairs) – then decree it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. O Allah, and if You know that this matter – (mention your need here) – is evil for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs – (and in another narration: 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 satisfied with it.
Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi'ilmika, wa astaqdiruka bi qudratika, wa as'aluka min fadlikal-adheem. Fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdiru, wa ta'lamu wa la a'lamu, wa anta 'allamul-ghuyoub. Allahumma fa in kunta ta'lamu anna hadhal-amra - (tassami hajataka) - khayrun li fi deeni wa ma'eeshati wa 'aaqibati amri - (wa fi riwayat: 'aajili amri wa aajilihi) - faqdurhu li wa yassirhu li, thumma barik li feehi. Allahumma wa in kunta ta'lamu anna hadhal-amra - (tassami hajataka) - sharrun li fi deeni wa ma'eeshati wa 'aaqibati amri - (wa fi riwayat: 'aajili amri wa aajilihi) - fasrifhu 'anni wasrifni 'anhu, waqdur li'l-khaira haithu kaana, thumma ardhini bihi.
When to Read
Recite this dua when you are facing a significant decision, especially one involving a cultural clash where you are unsure of the right path forward. This could be regarding a marriage proposal from a different cultural background, a career move that involves navigating different societal norms, or any situation where differing customs and values are at play and you need Allah's guidance to choose wisely. It is recommended to perform the prayer of Istikhara (two units of prayer followed by this dua) before reciting.
How to Read
Perform two Raka'at (units) of voluntary prayer, preferably not during the times when voluntary prayers are disliked. After the prayer, recite this dua, clearly mentioning the specific matter (cultural clash situation) you need guidance on in the designated place within the dua. It is advisable to be in a state of Wudu' (ablution) and to face the Qiblah. After reciting the dua, make sincere supplication and then try to proceed with the course of action that feels more settled in your heart or through signs you may observe, trusting in Allah's wisdom.
Virtues & Benefits
Istikhara is a profound Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, teaching us to rely on Allah for decisions. When facing a cultural clash, this dua specifically equips you to seek Allah's knowledge and power to discern the best path, preventing potential future regret or hardship. It helps align your personal choices with divine wisdom, ensuring that whatever decision you make, it is guided by Allah's will and ultimately beneficial for your faith and worldly affairs, leading to contentment.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us the Istikhara prayer in all matters as he taught us the Surahs of the Quran. He said, 'If anyone wants to do Istikhara in any matter, he should perform two Raka'at of prayer other than the obligatory ones and then say: "O Allah, I seek guidance from Your knowledge, and power from You, and I ask of Your great bounty. 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 – (and here you should mention your specific need) – is good for me in this world and in the Hereafter, then decree it for me and make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if You know that this matter is bad for me, then turn it away from me and turn me away from it, and decree for me whatever is good will be and make me satisfied with it." ' And the Prophet (peace be upon him) added that then one should mention his need.