Istikhara prayer - for when you have a serious choice to make and you really don't know what to do....

"O Allah! I seek Your guidance (in making a choice) by virtue of Your knowledge and I seek ability by virtue of Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. You have power, I have none. And you know, I know not. You are the Knower of hidden things.

O Allah! If, in Your knowledge, this matter is good for my religion, my livelihood and my affairs - immediate and in the distant, then ordain for me, make it easy for me and bless it for me. And if, in Your knowledge, this matter is bad for my religion, my livelihood and my affairs - immediate and in the distant, then turn it away from me, and turn me away from it. And ordain for me the good wherever it be and make me pleased with it."

                  

 

• The above du'a should be recited whenever you are uncertain about a decision you have to make - as long as it is (halal) islamically permissible.

• First make wudhu and then pray two raka'a.

• Before you recite this du'a, you must be sure you haven't already made up your mind; otherwise, it will mean you are not serious about seeking guidance from Allah (subhan Allah ta'Ala)

• When you make this du'a you should actually mention for what it is you are asking divine guidance, instead of 'this matter', as written in the above translation.

• After reciting this du'a, you will be 'led' to a decision, either immediately or later on.

This translation was taken from the book "Selected Prayers" compiled by Dr. Jamal Badawi. We have taken the liberty to simplify the notes.

If anyone would like to provide this or any other du'a in Arabic script, please send it to: info@menaca.org.uk