Dua for Istikhara (Prayer for Guidance) – Text, Transliteration & Translation

When faced with any decision, big or small, Salat al-Istikhara (the prayer of guidance) can help you find the answer.

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The core of this prayer is a special dua (supplication) for Istikhara that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught his companions. This powerful Istikhara dua asks Allah – who has infinite knowledge and power – to guide us to what is best and avert what is harmful.

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Whether you’re considering marriage, a job opportunity, or any matter, reciting the Istikhara dua helps you seek Allah’s guidance and blessings in making the right choice.

Istikhara Dua Transliteration

For those who cannot read Arabic, here is the Istikhara dua written in English transliteration:

Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi ‘ilmika, wa astaqdiruka bi qudratika, wa as’aluka min fadhlikal-‘azim. Fa innaka taqdiru wa lā aqdiru, wa ta‘lamu wa lā a‘lamu, wa anta ‘allāmul-ghuyūb. Allahumma in kunta ta‘lamu anna hādhāl-amra khayrun lī fī dīnī wa ma‘āshī wa ‘āqibati amrī, faqdurhu lī wa yassirhu lī thumma bārik lī fīh. Wa in kunta ta‘lamu anna hādhāl-amra sharrun lī fī dīnī wa ma‘āshī wa ‘āqibati amrī, faṣrif’hu ‘annī waṣrifnī ‘anhu, waqdur lī al-khayra ḥaythu kāna thumma arḍinī bih.”

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This transliteration will help you pronounce the dua correctly. Take your time to recite it with proper pronunciation and a sincere heart, as Allah understands all languages and knows what is in your heart.

Istikhara Dua English Translation

Below is the meaning of the Istikhara dua in English:

“O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge, and I seek ability through Your power, and I ask You from Your great bounty. For You have power and I have none, and You know while I know not. You are the Knower of all unseen things. O Allah, if You know that this matter is good for me regarding my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs (in this life and the Hereafter), then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. But if You know that this matter is bad for me regarding my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs, then turn it away from me and turn me away from it. And decree for me whatever is better for me wherever it may be, and make me pleased with it.”

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In this beautiful supplication, we acknowledge that only Allah knows what is truly best for us. We ask Him to facilitate the matter if it is beneficial and to avert it if it is harmful, all while praying to be content with His decree.

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The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of this dua – teaching it to the believers just as he would teach a chapter of the Qur’an – so that Muslims would seek Allah’s guidance in all their affairs .

How to Perform Salat al-Istikhara (Prayer for Guidance)

Performing Istikhara is a simple process to be done whenever you need Allah’s guidance in making a decision. There is no specific time of day to do salat al-Istikhara! 

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Here is a step-by-step approach to performing the Istikhara prayer:

1. Choose a Time: Pick a time for prayer when you can focus and not be rushed. It’s best to pray Istikhara at a time that is outside the forbidden or disliked hours for prayer (e.g. avoid praying at sunrise, zenith/noon, or sunset). Many people perform Istikhara at night before sleeping for convenience, but this is not required. Any time outside the prohibited periods is suitable, so choose a moment when you feel spiritually focused.
2. Pray Two Rak’ahs of Nafl (Optional) Prayer: Make wudu (ablution) and pray two units (rak‘ahs) of a voluntary prayer. These two rak’ahs should be prayed with the intention of seeking guidance (Istikhara). Pray them as you would any normal prayer.
3. Recite the Istikhara Dua: After completing the two rak’ahs (ending with salam), remain seated and sincerely recite the Istikhara dua given above. It’s ideal to face the Qibla (direction of prayer) while making this supplication. When saying “hādhā al-amr” (“this matter”), think of the specific decision or silently mention the name of the matter you are seeking guidance about (for example, a job offer, a marriage proposal, etc.) .
4. Trust Allah and Proceed: Once you have prayed and made the dua, put your trust in Allah and proceed with your decision. Having sought Allah’s guidance, you should have faith that He will guide you to what is best. Move forward and see how things unfold, knowing you have turned to Allah for help.

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After Performing Istikhara: You do not need to witness a dramatic sign or a vivid dream. The answer to an Istikhara prayer can be subtle. Often, Allah guides your heart by giving you a feeling of comfort and ease toward one option, or by placing discomfort and obstacles regarding the other option.

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Give it some time and pay attention to your feelings and the circumstances: if your heart feels at peace with one choice and events smoothly facilitate it, that is a good indication. If you experience unease or repeated hurdles, that may be a sign to reconsider.

How many times can you pray Istikhara?

If you remain uncertain, scholars mention that you can repeat the Istikhara up to seven times on different occasions (e.g. on multiple days) until clarity emerges . Most importantly, accept Allah’s decree with an open heart – if the outcome doesn’t align with what you initially wanted, trust that Allah is protecting you from harm and will provide something better at the right time.‍

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“Whoever seeks the counsel of the Creator will not regret it,” as one wise saying assures.

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By performing Salat al-Istikhara and reciting this dua, you are entrusting your affair to Allah and seeking His guidance in your decision. In doing so, you can find reassurance that you’ve done your part to seek divine direction.

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Ultimately, after praying Istikhara, “put your trust in Allah” – for He knows what is best for you. Embracing the outcome with contentment is key, knowing that Allah’s guidance never leads to regret.

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