Intention of Istikhara Prayer, Along with the Procedure of Praying to Get the Best Decision from Allah

Dream – Istikhara prayer is usually performed when Muslims seek guidance from Allah. With this voluntary prayer, a Muslim hopes to receive guidance before making a decision.

Istikhara prayer, also known as Prayer for Guidance, is a special prayer in Islam that is performed when someone is faced with a decision or choice and seeks guidance from Allah to make the right decision.

The word "istikhara" comes from the Arabic root word "khayr," which means "good" or "the best." This prayer is specifically intended to seek Allah's help in determining the best course of action.

Istikhara prayer can be performed at any time during the day and night, except during the times for obligatory prayers.

However, there is a preferred time to perform Istikhara prayer, which is the last third of the night or at least after performing the Isha prayer until before the Fajr prayer time.

Summarized from several sources, here is the intention of Istikhara prayer along with the procedure of praying.

Intention of Istikhara Prayer

I intend to perform the Istikhara prayer, two rak'ahs, facing the qibla, solely for Allah.

The intention is actually made in the heart, so it does not need to be spoken out loud. The recitation of the intention for Istikhara prayer in the heart must be accompanied by hope and surrendering all the results to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala.

Procedure of Praying in Istikhara Prayer

1. Prepare:

• Perform ablution (ritual purification) to cleanse oneself before praying.
• Choose a suitable time to perform Istikhara Prayer, such as after voluntary prayers or at other recommended times.

2. Perform Two Rak'ahs of Sunnah Prayer:

• Perform two units of voluntary prayer, just like other voluntary prayers.
• Recite Surah Al-Fatihah and other Surahs that you usually recite in prayer.

3. After Two Rak'ahs

After completing the two rak'ahs of voluntary prayer, sit calmly.

4. Recite the Istikhara Prayer: 

A'allahumma inni astakhiruka bi ilmika, wa astaqdiruka bi qudratika, wa as-aluka min fadhlika, fa innaka taqdiru wa laa aqdiru, wa talamu wa laa alamu, wa anta allaamul ghuyub. Allahumma fa-in kunta talamu hadzal amro (menyebutkan persoalannya) khoiron lii fii aajili amrii wa aajilih (aw fii diinii wa maaasyi wa aqibati amrii) faqdur lii, wa yassirhu lii, tsumma baarik lii fiihi. Allahumma in kunta talamu annahu syarrun lii fii diini wa maaasyi wa aqibati amrii (fii aajili amri wa aajilih) fash-rifnii anhu, waqdur liil khoiro haitsu kaana tsumma rodh-dhinii bih.

Meaning: O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge, and I seek Your ability through Your power, and I ask You from Your great bounty. For You have power, while I am powerless, and You know while I do not know, and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter (mention the matter) is good for me in my religion and my life and end, then decree it for me, facilitate it for me, and bless me in it. And if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion and my life and end, 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 pleased with it.

5. Sleep with a Calm Heart: 

After reciting the prayer, sleep with a calm heart, believing that Allah will provide guidance in the best way.

6. Pay Attention to Feelings and Signs:

After performing Istikhara Prayer, pay attention to your feelings, thoughts, and any signs that you may experience. It is believed that Allah can provide guidance through feelings or circumstances.

7. Make a Decision:

Based on your feelings and circumstances, make a decision with the belief that Allah's guidance is with you.

How do you know if after performing Istikhara Prayer, you are shown the best choice between A or B? Indeed, the result of Istikhara is the certainty of our own hearts. Our hearts tend to choose what we believe is the best choice.

Therefore, we must always be sincere and content with all the choices that Allah shows us, even if they do not match our expectations.

That is the intention of Istikhara Prayer along with the procedure of praying to get the best decision from Allah. Friends at Dream also need to remember that the purpose of Istikhara Prayer is not to expect direct answers from Allah, but to seek blessings, guidance, and ease in making decisions. Hopefully, it is beneficial!

Report: Sasikirana Shafa Fathira