Guide: Muslims and Muslimah

Istikara

Salam! Today I will be discussing ishtikara.
So what is istikara? Istikara is a word meaning asking Allah SWT to help one make the best choice.  So why is it important? It is important because it helps us make a decision that we ourselves don't know the answer to.
What are some examples where you might need to ask for guidance?
•Choosing a university or college
•Deciding to take a job offer
•Choosing a spouse

So here's how to perform it.

1. Perform wudu or ghusl: Before any prayer we purify ourselves by performing wudu or ghusl depending on what's needed.

2. Prepare your space for prayer: Make sure the space is suitable for prayer and set up your prayer mat and you to face the Qibla

3. Pray: You are going to perform prayer (two rakats) and then after recite the dua.

4. Recite the dua: The dua is: Allahumma innee astakheeruka bi ilmika wa-astaqdiruka biqudratika wa-as'aluka min fadhlika al-adheem. Fa innaka taqdiru walaa aqdiru. Wa ta'lamu walaa a'alamu wa anta allaamul ghuyoob.
Allahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna haadhal-amr khayrun liy fiy deeniy wa-ma'aashiy wa-'aaqibat amriy, faqdur hu liy wa- liy thumma baarik liy feehi. Wa in-kunta ta'lamu anna haadhal amr sharrun liy fiy deeniy wa-ma'aashiy wa-'aaqibat amriy. Fa asrifhu 'annee wa-srifni 'anhu. Wa aqdur lial khayra haythu kaana thumma a-rdhiniy bihee.

The English translation is:

O Allah! Behold I ask You the good through Your Knowledge, and ability through Your Power, and beg (Your favour) out of Your infinite Bounty. For surely You have Power; I have none. You know all; I know not. You are the Great Knower of all things.
O Allah! If in Your Knowledge this matter be good for my faith, for my livelihood, and for the consequences of my affairs, then ordain it for me, and make it easy for me, and bless me therein. But if in Your Knowledge, this matter be bad for my faith, for my livelihood, and for the consequences of my affairs, then turn it away from me, and turn me away therefrom, and ordain for me the good wherever it be, and cause me to please with it.

5. Repeat: Repeat for as many days or times as you need to. When you feel like you've been given the answer stop.

Remember to seek advice from knowledgeable people like an imam. Also avoid thinking the answer will simply come in a dream or vision. Consult a knowledgeable person and ask them questions like if they think it's a good idea or if it will impact your deen negatively. Also always pray with sincerity and be patient.

  I hope that helps everyone InshaAllah. Have a good day/evening/ night everyone! Salam!