What is the Istikhara dua transliteration?

In a Nutshell: The Istikhara dua is a powerful supplication recited after performing two optional prayer units. Muslims seek Allah's guidance through this dua when faced with an important decision. This article provides the transliteration of the Istikhara dua along with a breakdown of its meaning and the significance of each phrase. Table of ContentsIntroduction Background and Context Istikhara Dua Transliteration Evidences Analysis of Istikhara Dua FAQs on Istikhara Dua Conclusion Introduction Istikhara, literally meaning seeking counsel, is a beautiful practice in Islam that encourages believers to rely on Allah's infinite wisdom when making decisions. The Istikhara prayer, followed by the Istikhara dua, is a way for Muslims to supplicate to Allah for guidance in choosing the best course of action. Evidences Quranic Verses:Allah SWT says in the Quran, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance: And when you decide on something, rely upon Allah.(Al-Imran 3:159) Hadiths:The Prophet Muhammad (saw) encouraged his companions to perform Istikhara prayer for all matters, minor or major. He taught them the following dua to recite after the prayer [Sahih al-Bukhari]: Allahumma inni astakhirUKA bi 'ilmika wa astaqdiru bi qudratika wa as'alUKA min fadlika, fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdiru, wa ta'lamu wa la a'lamu, wa anta 'Alim al-Ghuyub. Allahumma in kanta ta'lamu anna hadha al-amra khayrun li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa 'aqibati amri fa aqdirah li wa yassirah li thumma barik li ???. Wa in kanta ta'lamu anna hadha al-amra sharrun li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa 'aqibati amri fasrifhu 'anni wa ????? ??? wa qdir li al-khayra haythu kana thumma ardini bihi. This hadith provides not only the wording of the dua but also highlights the Prophet's (saw) emphasis on seeking Allah's guidance in all aspects of life. Istikhara Dua Analysis The Istikhara dua is a beautiful expression of submission and trust in Allah's divine knowledge and power. Let's break down the dua to understand its deeper meaning: Allahumma inni astakhirUKA bi 'ilmika wa astaqdiru bi qudratika(O Allah, I seek Your counsel by Your knowledge and I seek Your assistance by Your power) - This opening phrase acknowledges Allah's SWT infinite knowledge and limitless power. fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdiru, wa ta'lamu wa la a'lamu(for verily You are able while I am not and verily You know while I do not) - The supplicant recognizes their own limitations and seeks Allah's guidance due to His superior knowledge and ability. wa anta 'Alim al-Ghuyub(and You are the Knower of the Unseen) - This emphasizes Allah's SWT ability to see beyond the present and know the future consequences of our choices. The next portion of the dua makes a specific request based on the decision at hand. Allahumma in kanta ta'lamu anna hadha al-amra khayrun li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa 'aqibati amri fa aqdirah li(O Allah, if You know this affair to be good for me in my religion, my life and livelihood and the end of my affairs, then decree it for me) - The supplicant pleads with Allah to choose what is ultimately best for them in this life and the Hereafter. wa yassirah li thumma barik li ???(and facilitate it for me and then place blessing for me within it) - They ask for Allah's SWT help in making the chosen path easy and filled with blessings. The dua concludes by acknowledging the potential for something to be seemingly good but ultimately harmful: Wa in kanta ta'lamu anna hadha al-amra sharrun li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa 'aqibati amri fasrifhu 'anni wa ????? ???(And if You know this affair to be harmful for me in my religion, my life and livelihood and the end of my affairs, then turn it away from me and divert it from me) wa qdir li al-khayra haythu kana thumma ardini bihi(and decree for me what is good, wherever FAQs on Istikhara DuaCan Istikhara be performed without prayer? While the Istikhara dua is often recited after performing two optional prayer units, some scholars considered it permissible to perform Istikhara with just the dua itself in situations where praying might be difficult [Ibn Qud???, Al-Mughni]. However, the majority opinion emphasizes the importance of combining the dua with the Istikhara prayer for maximum benefit and following the Sunnah of the Prophet (saw) [Nawawi, Al-Majmu'].When is the best time to perform Istikhara? There is no specific time restriction for performing Istikhara prayer. It can be done at any time, day or night. However, some scholars recommend performing Istikhara during the last third of the night or just before sleeping, as this is a time of increased serenity and closeness to Allah (SWT) [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar ala al-Durr al-Mukhtar]. Conclusion The Istikhara dua is a powerful tool gifted to Muslims by Allah (SWT) to navigate the complexities of life. By seeking Allah's guidance through this supplication and putting their trust in His infinite wisdom, believers can approach decisions with greater clarity and confidence. Remember, the Istikhara prayer and dua are not meant to guarantee a specific outcome but rather to bring peace and assurance in knowing you sought Allah's guidance in your choices. Ultimately, all good outcomes come from Allah (SWT) and true success lies in submitting to His will. Here's the continuation, adding the remaining sections: Misconceptions about Istikhara Dua Istikhara guarantees a specific outcome.Istikhara is not a magical predictor of the future. The response to your Istikhara may come in the form of ease of pursuing a specific path, a sense of peace within your heart, unexpected obstacles arising, or even in the form of a dream. Instead of focusing on a specific outcome, approach Istikhara with an open heart and trust in Allah's plan. You must see a clear sign or dream following Istikhara.While some individuals may experience dreams or clear signs guiding them, guidance from Istikhara can be more subtle. Pay attention to how your feelings and circumstances change after performing Istikhara. Allah (SWT) may guide you in ways you didn't initially expect. Objections to Istikhara Dua How do I interpret the feelings or signs after Istikhara prayer?Interpreting the results of Istikhara requires both introspection and seeking counsel. Reflect on your own heart and the change in circumstances following Istikhara. Seeking advice from a trusted scholar or knowledgeable elder can help you gain further clarity. What if I still feel unsure after Istikhara?It's possible to still feel uncertain even after performing Istikhara. In such cases, repeat the Istikhara prayer and continue to supplicate to Allah for clarity. Remember, Istikhara is a continuous process of seeking guidance, not a one-time solution. Conclusion The Istikhara dua is a profound act of worship that demonstrates our trust in Allah's (SWT) knowledge and wisdom. By sincerely seeking His guidance before decisions, we acknowledge our limited human understanding and place our faith in His infinite plan for our lives. Embrace the Istikhara dua as a valuable tool for navigating the complexities of life and remember that true success ultimately comes from submitting to Allah's divine will. ReferencesIbn Abidin, Muhammad Amin. Radd al-Muhtar ala al-Durr al-Mukhtar. Ibn Qud???, Al-Mughni. Nawawi, al-Minhaj fi Sharh Sahih Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj (Al-Majmu').