اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَخَيْرَ أَهْلِهَا وَخَيْرَ مَا جَبَلْتَنِي عَلَيْهِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ أَهْلِهَا وَشَرِّ مَا جَبَلْتَنِي عَلَيْهِ
O Allah, I ask You for the good of this matter and the good of what You have decreed for it, and I seek refuge with You from the evil of this matter and the evil of what You have decreed for it. (Note: The phrasing of the Istikhara dua is general and its meaning extends to seeking good in any decision, including the utilization of wealth.)
Allahumma inni as'aluka khayraha wa khayra ahliha wa khayra ma jabal-tani 'alayh, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ahliha wa sharri ma jabal-tani 'alayh.
When to Read
This dua is recited when you have a significant decision to make regarding how to best utilize your wealth for a beneficial purpose, whether it's an investment, a donation, or any other endeavor. It is best recited after performing Wudu (ablution) and praying two rak'ahs of nafl (voluntary) prayer, ideally outside of the obligatory prayer times.
How to Read
After completing the two rak'ahs of prayer and offering salutations, you would recite the Istikhara dua while holding the intention of your decision regarding wealth utilization in your heart. It is crucial to focus your mind and heart on seeking Allah's guidance. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to repeat the words of the dua and to then commit the outcome to Allah's plan, being content with whatever He chooses.
Virtues & Benefits
Performing Istikhara for decisions concerning wealth ensures that your resources are utilized in ways that bring you good in this life and the hereafter. It helps in avoiding potential pitfalls and making choices that are pleasing to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated, 'The one who seeks the best choice by praying to the Creator (Istikhara) and consults the creation (people) will not regret it.' (Reported by Al-Hakim)
Source & Authentication
Jabir bin 'Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated: 'The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to teach us the Istikhara in all matters as he taught us a Surah from the Qur'an. He said: 'If anyone of you is concerned about a matter, he should pray two rak'ahs of non-obligatory prayer and then say: O Allah, I seek the best by Your knowledge and seek the power by Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. For You has the power and I have not, and You have knowledge and I have not, and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter (and here he should mention the particular matter) is good for me in my religion, in my livelihood and in the end of my affairs, then decree it for me, and make it easy for me, and then bless me in it. And if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion, in my livelihood and in the end of my affairs, then turn it away from me and turn me away from it, and decree for me the good wherever it may be and make me content with it.' Sahih al-Bukhari 1166.