Istikharah Made Easy

How To Do Istikharah?

The word istikharah is derived from the word 'khayr' (خير) which means goodness. The addition of alif, sin and ta’ changes its meaning. Istikhar (استخار) means asking for a choice. This is stated by Imam Ibn al-Mundhir in Lisan al-Arab.

Salat al-Istikharah prayer is a Sunnah which the Prophet ﷺ prescribed for anyone who wants to do an action but is hesitant about it. It is a form of submission and a plea in the Court of the King of Kings for guidance. It is a practical demonstration that one has no power and no strength of one’s own. 

- Do we see some dreams after making the dua?
- Can we recite the dua in any language?
- When should the dua be recited? 
- Can a menstruating woman perform Salat al-Istikharah?
- Is Salat al-Istikharah only for marriage?
- Why is my dua not being answered?