Istikhara according to the Quran

Istikhara is a prayer or a supplication seeking guidance from Allah in making an important decision, especially when one is uncertain about the right course of action. The word "Istikhara" comes from the Arabic root "khayr" which means goodness or benefit. Therefore, Istikhara is seeking Allah's guidance to choose the course of action that is most beneficial for oneself in this world and the hereafter.

Istikhara involves praying two units of voluntary prayer and then making a supplication to Allah asking for His guidance in making a decision. It is recommended to make Istikhara when one is faced with a decision that could have significant consequences, such as marriage, business dealings, or travel.

After making Istikhara, a person should also be mindful of the signs and circumstances that follow, as they may indicate the best course of action to take. Ultimately, however, a person should rely on their own judgement and trust in Allah's guidance.

It is important to note that Istikhara is not a means of predicting the future, but rather a way of seeking Allah's guidance and making the best decision based on one's own judgement and the signs that follow.

Istikhara is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran, but it is a practice based on the Islamic tradition and principles derived from the Quran and Hadith. Istikhara is a prayer seeking Allah's guidance when making a decision or facing a difficult choice in life.

The word "istikhara" comes from the Arabic root word "khair," which means good, and "istikharah," which means to seek goodness or seek guidance from Allah. The practice of Istikhara involves performing a two-rak'ah voluntary prayer, followed by a supplication asking Allah to guide and help the individual make the right decision.


Although Istikhara is not mentioned in the Quran, there are verses that encourage seeking Allah's guidance and making decisions with Allah's help and guidance. For example:

"And consult them in the matter. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)." (Surah Al-Imran, 3:159)

" And your Lord says, "Call upon Me; I will respond to you." Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible." (Surah Ghafir, 40:60)

In summary, Istikhara is a practice that seeks Allah's guidance when making a decision or facing a difficult choice in life, although it is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran. The Quran encourages seeking Allah's guidance and making decisions with Allah's help and trust.

Istikhara is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran. However, seeking guidance from Allah (SWT) is emphasized in several verses of the Quran. Here are some verses related to seeking guidance:

"And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good." [29:69]

"So be patient. Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth. And ask forgiveness for your sin and exalt [ Allah ] with praise of your Lord in the evening and the morning." [40:55]

"And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent." [65:2-3]

"And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided." [2:186]

"So whoever Allah wants to guide - He expands his breast to [contain] Islam; and whoever He wants to misguide - He makes his breast tight and constricted as though he were climbing into the sky. Thus does Allah place defilement upon those who do not believe." [6:125]

Although these verses do not mention the specific practice of Istikhara, they emphasize the importance of seeking guidance from Allah and trusting in His plan.

"And consult them in the matter. Then when you have decided, place your trust in Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who trust [Him]." (Quran 3:159)

"And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]." (Quran 3:159)

"And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent." (Quran 65:2-3)

These verses encourage seeking advice and making decisions with consultation, while putting trust in Allah's guidance and provision. The practice of Istikhara is a way to seek Allah's guidance in decision-making through prayer and seeking His divine help in making the right choice.

"And consult them in the affair. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah. Certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)" (Surah Al-Imran, 3:159).

"So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know" (Surah Al-Nahl, 16:43).

"And those who have responded to their Lord and established prayer and whose affair is [determined by] consultation among themselves, and from what We have provided them, they spend" (Surah Al-Shura, 42:38).

These verses emphasize the importance of seeking advice and guidance from knowledgeable individuals and putting one's trust in Allah when making a decision.

"And consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]." (3:159)

"But if they intend to deceive you - then sufficient for you is Allah. It is He who supported you with His help and with the believers." (8:62)

"And if you are in doubt about what We have revealed to Our servant, then produce a chapter like it and call upon your witnesses other than Allah, if you should be truthful." (2:23)

"And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided." (2:186)

"And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent." (65:3)

"And when you have completed the prayer, remember Allah standing, sitting, or [lying] on your sides. But when you become secure, re-establish [regular] prayer. Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times." (4:103)

"Indeed, those who fear Allah - when an impulse touches them from Satan, they remember [Him] and at once they have insight." (7:201)

"Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who strays from His way, and He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided." (68:7)

"So whoever Allah wants to guide - He expands his breast to [contain] Islam; and whoever He wants to misguide - He makes his breast tight and constricted as though he were climbing into the sky. Thus does Allah place defilement upon those who do not believe." (6:125)

"And when you recite the Qur'an, We put between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter a concealed partition." (17:45)

These verses emphasize the importance of seeking guidance from Allah in all matters, including making important decisions through the act of Istikhara. They also highlight the importance of having faith and trust in Allah, relying on Him, and seeking His protection from the deception of Satan.

Istikhara is a prayer that Muslims perform to seek guidance from Allah when making important decisions. It involves performing a specific prayer and asking Allah for guidance and help in making the right decision. The concept of Istikhara is based on the belief that Allah is the ultimate guide and can provide the best guidance for any situation. The practice of Istikhara is encouraged in Islam and can be performed for any decision, big or small. While the decision ultimately lies with the individual, Istikhara can help provide clarity and peace of mind in the decision-making process.

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