What is the Istikhara dua in Arabic?

In a Nutshell: The Istikhara dua is a supplication recited after performing a two-unit voluntary prayer (salat al-Istikhara) seeking Allah's guidance (swt) when faced with an important decision. Muslims believe Istikhara helps them choose the path most pleasing to Allah (swt). Table of ContentsIntroduction Background and Context The Istikhara Dua in Arabic Analysis of the Istikhara Dua Misconceptions about Istikhara Dua Objections and Responses FAQs about Istikhara Dua Conclusion Introduction Making important decisions can be challenging. Islam emphasizes seeking Allah's (swt) guidance in all aspects of life. The Istikhara prayer (salat al-Istikhara) is a beautiful Sunnah practice that allows Muslims to supplicate to Allah (swt) for guidance when faced with a difficult choice. This answer explores the Istikhara dua (supplication), its meaning and how it can be a source of comfort and clarity for Muslims seeking Allah's (swt) direction. Background and Context The word istikhara (Arabic: ???????) comes from the verb akhara (??????), meaning to choose or to select. Istikhara literally translates to seeking ??? (khayr), which means goodness or what is best. Muslims perform Istikhara when they are undecided between two permissible (halal) options. It is not performed for matters that are already obligated (fard) or forbidden (haram) in Islam. The Istikhara Dua in Arabic The Istikhara dua is recited after performing a two-unit voluntary prayer (salat al-Istikhara). Here's the Arabic text with transliteration: ?????????? ?????? ????????????? ?????????? ???????????????? ???????????? ???????????? ??? ???????? ?????????? ????????? ???????? ???? ???????? ?????????? ???? ???????? ?????? ???????? ?????????? ?????????? ??? ????? ????? ????????? ??????? ??? ??? ?????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????? ??? ??????????? ??? ????? ??????? ??? ????? ?????? ????? ?????? ?????? ??? ??? ?????? ?????????? ????????? ?????????? ?????? ??????????? ?????? ????????? ??? ????????? ?????? ???? ????? ????????? ???? Transliteration: Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi 'ilmik wa astaqdiruka bi qudratika wa as'al??? ?? ???? al-azim fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdiru wa ta'lamu wa la a'lamu wa antaallam al-ghuyub. Allahumma in kana hadha al-amru khayran li fi dini wa maashi wa akhirati fa qdirhu li wa yassirhu li thumma barik li fihi wa in kana ghayra khayrin li fi dini wa maashi wa akhirati fasriphuhu anni wa srifnianhu wa qdir li al-khayra haythu huwa thumma radhdini bihi. (This transliteration may vary slightly according to different scholarly traditions) the Istikhara Dua The Istikhara dua is a powerful expression of humility and dependence on Allah's (swt) infinite knowledge and power. Let's break down the dua's key phrases to understand its deeper meaning: Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi 'ilmik... (O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge...)This opening phrase establishes the core purpose of Istikhara. The supplicant acknowledges Allah's (swt) encompassing knowledge and seeks guidance from it, recognizing their own limitations. ...wa astaqdiruka bi qudratika... (and I seek strength from Your power...)This highlights that Allah (swt) has the power to shape destinies and bring about the best outcomes. The supplicant expresses their dependence on Allah's (swt) power to navigate through the decision. ...wa as'aluka min fadl al-'azim... (and I ask You from Your immense favor...)This emphasizes the supplicant's humility and reliance on Allah's (swt) immense generosity. They acknowledge that the best outcome is a gift from Allah (swt) and not something they can achieve on their own. fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdiru... (for You have power and I have no power...)This reinforces the concept of tawhid (oneness of Allah swt). The supplicant acknowledges the absolute power of Allah (swt) in contrast to their own limitations. ...wa ta'lamu wa la a'lamu... (and You know and I do not know...)This highlights Allah's (swt) infinite knowledge compared to human limitations. The supplicant expresses their lack of complete knowledge about the potential consequences of each choice. ...wa anta 'allam al-ghuyub (and You are the Knower of the unseen...)This emphasizes Allah's (swt) knowledge of the unseen, encompassing the future and the potential outcomes of each decision. Allahumma in kana hadha al-amru khayran li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa akhirati... (O Allah, if this matter is good for me in my religion, my worldly life and my Hereafter...)Here, the supplicant specifically requests Allah's (swt) guidance towards the choice that will benefit them in this life and the Hereafter. ...fa qdirhu li wa yassirhu li thumma barik li fihi... (then make it decreed for me, facilitate it for me and then bless me in it...)This demonstrates the supplicant's trust in Allah's (swt) decree. They ask Allah (swt) to not only guide them but also to make the chosen path easy and blessed. wa in kana ghayra khayrin li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa akhirati... (and if it is not good for me in my religion, my worldly life and my Hereafter...)This acknowledges that not all options may be beneficial. The supplicant shows willingness to accept that a seemingly desirable choice might not be in their best interest according to Allah's (swt) divine wisdom. ...fasriphuhu anni wa srifnianhu... (then turn it away from me and turn me away from it...)This demonstrates the supplicant's reliance on Allah (swt) to protect them from choosing a path that might be detrimental. ...wa qdir li al-khayra haythu huwa... (and decree for me the good wherever it may be...)This expresses complete submission to Allah's (swt) will. The supplicant trusts that even if their initial preference is not chosen, Allah (swt) will guide them towards a better option. ...thumma radhdini bihi (and then make me content with it)This final supplication highlights the importance of seeking contentment with Allah's (swt) decree. Regardless of the outcome, the supplicant seeks peace and acceptance in the knowledge that Allah's (swt) choice is ultimately the best for them. Scholars have emphasized the importance of understanding the meaning of the dua and reflecting upon its message while reciting it. This deepens the connection between the supplicant and Allah (swt) and strengthens their sincerity in seeking guidance. (Please note that two line breaks have been inserted after each section as requested.) Misconceptions about the Istikhara Dua Here are some common misconceptions about the Istikhara dua, along with clarifications: Istikhara guarantees a specific outcome.Istikhara is not about having a specific outcome magically revealed. It is about seeking Allah's (swt) guidance and wisdom in making the best decision possible while ultimately trusting in His plan. Istikhara requires seeing a dream.Seeing a dream after performing Istikhara is not a requirement. Feelings of peace, inclination towards a specific choice, or even unexpected events facilitating or hindering a decision can be interpreted as signs of guidance. Objections and Responses How to interpret a dream after Istikhara?Dreams after Istikhara shouldn't be taken as literal directives. Seek guidance from an Islamic scholar knowledgeable in dream interpretation for help with symbolic dreams and in applying the overall context. What if I don't feel a clear sign after Istikhara?Sometimes, the answer doesn't come immediately. Continue pondering options, consult with trustworthy people and repeat the Istikhara prayer. Allah (swt) guides in His perfect timing. FAQs: What is the Istikhara Dua in Arabic? Can Istikhara be performed for trivial matters?It's recommended to reserve Istikhara for significant decisions where guidance is needed. For smaller matters, reciting general supplications for Allah's (swt) guidance is suitable. Is there a specific time for performing Istikhara prayer?Salat al-Istikhara can be performed at any permissible prayer time. Many find it beneficial to perform it after the obligatory night prayers (Isha) due to the calmness of the night. Conclusion The Istikhara dua is a gift to Muslims, reminding them of the importance of turning to Allah (swt) for guidance. It's a beautiful expression of humility, trust and submission to Allah's (swt) will. It is important to approach the Istikhara with sincerity, understanding its purpose and having patience with the outcome. It can be a powerful source of comfort and clarity, allowing Muslims to make decisions with the confidence that they are seeking the best path in alignment with Allah's (swt) will. The Prophet (pbuh) said: If one consults Allah, Allah will suffice him and if one asks Allah for help, He will assist him. (Tirmidhi) Remember, true guidance comes from Allah (swt). The Istikhara prayer and dua simply provide an avenue to seek that guidance and strengthen one's connection to Allah (swt). ReferencesSahih al-Bukhari (various hadiths) Sahih Muslim (various hadiths) Sunan Ibn Majah (various hadiths) Sunan Abi Dawud (various hadiths) Jami at-Tirmidhi (various hadiths) (Please the listed collections of hadith are provided as general references. Specific hadith numbers would be included in the Evidences section if we were including them within the full article.)