Salat al-Istikharah, or simply Istikharah, is a prayer recited by Muslims when they need guidance on an issue in their life. The term Istikharah is derived from the root word 'Khayr,’ which means good or goodness in Arabic. So, Istikharah essentially means 'to seek goodness from Allah.’

It is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and is a way to seek Allah's guidance and wisdom in making decisions. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) used to teach his companions to perform Istikhara in all matters, just as he would teach them Surahs from the Qur'an.

When one is unsure about a decision they have to make, they should perform Salat al-Istikharah (prayer of seeking goodness) to seek Allah's guidance. After performing the prayer, one should do what they feel is best and trust Allah has guided them toward the most beneficial outcome.

The prayer of Istikharah involves two units of voluntary prayer (Rak'ah), after which a specific Du'a (supplication) seeking guidance is recited. In this Du'a, one states the intention or decision they are contemplating and asks Allah for what is good.

If, after the prayer, the person's heart feels at peace with the decision, it is said that this indicates that the decision is good for them. If they feel unease or discomfort, this may mean that the decision is not beneficial for them. However, it's important to note that the response to Istikharah can also come in the form of events and circumstances and not just feelings.

Finally, it's worth noting that Istikharah is not meant to tell the future or provide direct 'yes or no' answers. Rather, it is a way for Muslims to seek Allah's guidance and wisdom in their decision-making process and to help them be at peace with their decisions, knowing that they have sought the guidance of Allah.

Performing Salat al-Istikharah involves a specific procedure that includes performing two Rak'ah (unit) prayers followed by a specific Du'a (supplication). Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform it:

1. Make a clear intention: Before you start the prayer, be clear in your mind about the decision or situation you are seeking guidance for. Istikharah is intended for situations where you have the ability to make a choice or decision.

2. Begin the prayer: Start by performing Wudu (ablution) to purify yourself for prayer. Then, begin the prayer just like any other prayer. Raise your hands to your ears and say "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the greatest) to start the prayer.

3. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha: After the opening Takbir, recite Surah Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Quran.

4. Recite a Surah or verses from the Quran: After Surah Al-Fatiha, recite another Surah or some verses from the Quran. This could be any Surah or verses you choose, but shorter Ones are typically chosen in voluntary prayers.

5. Complete the first Rak'ah: Proceed with the prayer as usual. Perform Ruku (bowing), then stand up straight and say "Sami' Allahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears the one who praises Him), then perform two Sujoods (prostrations) with a sitting pause in between.

6. Begin the second Rak'ah: Stand up for the second Rak'ah and repeat the same steps as in the first Rak'ah.

7. Complete the prayer: After the second Sujood, sit for the Tashahhud (bearing witness). After the Tashahhud, finish the prayer with the Tasleem ("Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah" to the right and then to the left).

8. Recite the Istikhara Du'a: After finishing the prayer, now recite the Du'a of Istikharah. This is a special supplication that Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) taught his followers to say when performing Istikharah.

The Du'a is as follows:

"Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi'ilmika wa astaqdiruka biqudratika wa as'aluka min fadlikal-'azim. Fa'innaka taqdiru wala aqdiru wa ta'lamu wala a'lamu wa anta 'allamul ghuyub. Allahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna hadhal-amra [mention your concern here] khayrun li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa 'aqibati amri, faqdurhu li wa yassirhu li, thumma barik li fihi. Wa in kunta ta'lamu anna hadhal amra sharrun li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa 'aqibati amri, fasrifhu 'anni wasrifni 'anhu, waqdur liyal-khayr haythu kana, thumma radini bihi."

Translated in English:

"O Allah, I seek Your guidance [in making a choice] by 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 (then mention the thing to be decided) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs (or: in both my worldly and religious affairs), then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if in Your knowledge it is bad for me and my religion, my livelihood and my affairs (or: for my worldly and religious affairs), then turn me away from it, and turn it away from me, and ordain for me the good wherever it may be and make me pleased with it."

The Du'a is recited in Arabic after the prayer with a clear mind and humble heart. Replacing "this matter" with the specific situation or decision you seek guidance is important.

The wisdom of Istikharah comes in perceiving changes in circumstances and feelings over time, not necessarily immediate answers. Trust that Allah will guide you to the best outcome.

The Du'a for Istikharah is a special supplication that Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) taught his followers to say when performing Salat al-Istikharah. It is recited after the two-unit prayer. Here is the Du'a in Arabic, followed by its English translation:

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 الْأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ شَرٌّ فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّارْضِنِي بِهِ

English Translation: "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 (then mention the thing to be decided) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs (or: in both my worldly and religious affairs), then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if in Your knowledge it is bad for me and my religion, my livelihood and my affairs (or: for my worldly and religious affairs), then turn me away from it, and turn it away from me, and ordain for me the good wherever it may be and make me pleased with it."

In the Du'a, replacing "this matter" with the specific decision or situation you seek guidance is important.

The best time to perform Istikharah is when you have a decision to make and are unsure of what to do. There is no specific time of day that is recommended for performing Istikharah; it can be performed at any time except for the times when prayer is forbidden, which are:

1.    During sunrise

2.    During sunset

3.    When the sun is at its peak (zenith)

It's recommended to perform Istikharah after an obligatory prayer, but it can also be performed after a voluntary prayer. It's important to perform Istikharah sincerely, believing in Allah's wisdom and guidance and being open to whatever outcome Allah guides you to.

Remember that guidance from Istikharah can come in many forms. It may be a feeling of peace and contentment with one decision, circumstances changing to open up one option or close off another, or gaining new information that helps you decide. Always trust in Allah's wisdom and accept the outcome with patience and trust.

The answer to Istikharah does not usually come in the form of clear, direct signs or dreams, as is often misconceived. Instead, it can be subtle and come over time through changes in feelings or circumstances. Here's how you might discern guidance from Allah after performing Istikharah:

1.    Feelings: After performing Istikharah, your heart may lean towards one decision. When thinking about this choice, you may feel a sense of peace, contentment, or clarity. This could indicate that this decision is better for you.

2.    Circumstances: The answer to Istikharah can also manifest in the form of events. For example, you may find doors opening for one decision — things falling into place, obstacles being removed — while for the other decision, you may face complications or hindrances.

3.    Gaining New Information: After performing Istikharah, you might come across new information or gain a different perspective that could directly or indirectly influence your decision.

Keep in mind, however, that Istikharah is a supplication for guidance and not necessarily an immediate answer. The guidance might be that you continue to be unsure or confused, leading you to research, think, consult others, and avoid rushing your decision. The key is to trust in Allah's wisdom and timing.

Also, remember that Istikharah is a tool for decision-making, so it's best used when deciding between viable options rather than as a means of seeking a divine decree from Allah. Once you have performed Istikharah, undertake your decision with trust and understanding that Allah has guided you to what is best.

When you perform Istikharah, you ask Allah for guidance toward the best decision. If the response to your Istikharah seems to be against your initial desire or will, it may be challenging to accept. However, remember that the purpose of Istikharah is to seek what is best for you according to Allah's knowledge and wisdom, which surpasses our own understanding.

Islam teaches that what may appear good to us may have unseen negative consequences, and what may seem bad may have unseen benefits. If the result of Istikharah is against your will, it could be that Allah, in His infinite wisdom and knowledge, is protecting you from harm, guiding you towards an unforeseen good, or preparing you for a valuable life lesson.

It's important to approach Istikharah with sincerity and an open heart, ready to accept Allah's guidance, even if it's against your initial desire. In these moments, it can be helpful to remind yourself of your trust and faith in Allah and to pray for contentment and acceptance of Allah's decree.

Ultimately, Istikharah is not about getting what we want but about striving for what is truly best for us in this life and the hereafter, according to the wisdom of Allah. Patience and trust in the outcome can often bring peace and clarity, even if not what we initially hoped for.

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