اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ العَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلاَّمُ الغُيُوبِ. اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ (وَيُسَمَّى حَاجَتَهُ) خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعِيشَتِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي - أَوْ قَالَ: فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ - فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي، وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي، ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ. اللَّهُمَّ وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعِيشَتِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي - أَوْ قَالَ: فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ - فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي، وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، ثُمَّ أَقْدِرْ لِي الخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ، ثُمَّ رَضِّنِي بِهِ.
O Allah, I seek guidance from Your knowledge, and seek ability from Your power, and I ask of Your immense favour. For You have power, and I have no power; You have knowledge, and I have no knowledge; and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter (and he should mention his need) is good for me in my religion, my worldly life, and the end of my affairs – or he said: for my present and my future – then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. O Allah, if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion, my worldly life, and the end of my affairs – or he said: for my present and my future – 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.
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-ghuyoob. Allahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna hadhal-amr (wa yusamma hajatahu) khayrun li fi deeni wa ma'eeshati wa 'aaqibati amri - aw qaala: fi 'aaajili amri wa aajilih - faqdurhu li, wa yassirhu li, thumma barik li feeh. Allahumma wa in kunta ta'lamu anna hadhal-amr sharrun li fi deeni wa ma'eeshati wa 'aaqibati amri - aw qaala: fi 'aaajili amri wa aajilih - fasrifhu 'annee, wasrifni 'anhu, thumma aqdir li al-khaira haithu kaana, thumma radhdhini bih.
When to Read
Istikhara is performed when facing a decision, especially when one is unsure of the best course of action. In the context of a natural disaster, this dua can be recited when deciding on the best way to respond: whether to stay or evacuate, how to help others, which relief efforts to join, or any other significant decision arising from the disaster. It's crucial to perform istikhara with a sincere intention to seek Allah's guidance and be content with whatever outcome He chooses. It is usually recited after performing two rak'ahs of voluntary prayer.
How to Read
The prayer of Istikhara is a supplication made after performing two units (rak'ahs) of non-obligatory prayer. After completing the prayer, one recites the Istikhara dua, earnestly asking Allah for clarity and guidance. It is highly recommended to mention the specific matter for which guidance is sought within the dua, as indicated by the phrase '(wa yusamma hajatahu)' – 'and he should mention his need'. After making the dua, one should resolve to accept whatever Allah wills for them, and should not be insistent on a particular outcome. Many scholars advise that after Istikhara, one should then proceed with the decision that feels most natural or that Allah opens their heart towards, without necessarily expecting a dream or a miraculous sign.
Virtues & Benefits
The primary benefit of Istikhara is seeking Allah's divine wisdom and guidance when one's own knowledge is insufficient. It instills a sense of reliance on the Creator, removes indecision, and brings peace of mind. By entrusting the decision to Allah, the believer gains contentment regardless of the outcome, knowing that Allah has chosen what is best. This practice is a profound act of worship, demonstrating humility and submission to Allah's perfect plan, as He is the Knower of all hidden matters.
Source & Authentication
Jabir bin 'Abdillah (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated: "The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to teach us the Istikhara (prayer for guidance) in all matters just as he used to teach us a Surah from the Qur'an. He said: 'If anyone of you is concerned about a matter he should observe two Rak'ahs of prayer other than the obligatory ones, and then say: O Allah, I seek guidance from Your knowledge, and seek ability from Your power, and ask of Your immense favour. For You have power, and I have no power; You have knowledge, and I have no knowledge; and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter (and he should mention his need) is good for me in my religion, my worldly life, and the end of my affairs – or he said: for my present and my future – then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. O Allah, and if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion, my worldly life, and the end of my affairs – or he said: for my present and my future – 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.' And he (the Prophet ﷺ) added: 'At that time, one should mention his need.'" (Sahih al-Bukhari)