اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ. اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ (ثم تسمي حاجتك) خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعِيشَتِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي، فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي، وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي، ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ. وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعِيشَتِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي، فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي، وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِي الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ، ثُمَّ رَضِّنِي بِهِ.
O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge, and I seek ability through Your power. I ask from Your immense bounty. For indeed, 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 then you mention your need) – is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the end of my affair, then decree it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if You know that this matter is evil for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the end of my affair, 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 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-ghuyoob. Allahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna hadhal-amra (then mention your need) khayrun li fi deeni wa ma'eeshati wa 'aaqibati amri, faqdhurhu li, wa yassirhu li, thumma barik li feeh. Wa in kunta ta'lamu anna hadhal-amra sharrun li fi deeni wa ma'eeshati wa 'aaqibati amri, fasrifhu 'annee, wasrifnee 'anhu, waqdhur li'l-khayra haythu kaana, thumma radhdhinee bih.
When to Read
This dua is recited when faced with a decision that has significant moral implications, or any important decision where you are unsure of the best course of action. It is typically performed after performing two rak'ahs of voluntary prayer (not the obligatory prayers). The recitation is ideally done with sincere intention, after contemplating the matter, and before falling asleep or at a time of quiet reflection.
How to Read
Perform two rak'ahs of voluntary prayer (Salah al-Istikhara). After the prayer, recite this dua with a sincere heart, raising your hands if possible. Clearly state the specific matter or decision for which you are seeking Allah's guidance in the place indicated in the Arabic text. Focus on your intention and surrender your will to Allah, trusting in His wisdom. It is recommended to repeat this process up to seven times if you still feel uncertain.
Virtues & Benefits
The Istikhara prayer is a profound way to seek Allah's guidance, ensuring that your decisions align with His pleasure. It helps to alleviate anxiety and doubt by entrusting the outcome to the All-Knowing and All-Powerful Creator. By performing Istikhara, you are actively engaging in Tawakkul (reliance on Allah), seeking His wisdom when your own knowledge is insufficient. The result, whether a clear feeling or a subtle inclination, is meant to be a sign from Allah directing you towards what is best, fostering contentment and peace with His decree.
Source & Authentication
Jabir bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to teach us the Istikhara in all matters as he used to teach us the Surahs of the Quran. He said, "If anyone of you intends to do something, he should pray two rak'ahs of non-obligatory prayer and then say: '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-amra khayrun li fi deeni wa ma'eeshati wa 'aaqibati amri (or 'ajili amri wa ajilihi) faqdhurhu li, wa yassirhu li, thumma barik li feeh. Wa in kunta ta'lamu anna hadhal-amra sharrun li fi deeni wa ma'eeshati wa 'aaqibati amri (or 'ajili amri wa ajilihi) fasrifhu 'annee, wasrifni 'anhu, waqdhur li'l-khayra haythu kaana, thumma radhdhinee bih.'" Then he said, 'And you should mention your need.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6306)