Istikhara is simply seeking the guidance of Allah (SWT). It is applicable for any Muslim if they want to start a business if they are thinking about going on a particular journey, or even if they are getting married.
An Istikhara dua for marriage works the same way. It may be needed when you are confused about a proposal you received, or whether or not to get married right now. Surely, Allah is all knowing and all powerful, and will open and close doors accordingly.
Considerations Before Istikhara
Before we jump into the dua, we want to highlight the basics. You should be a practicing and devoted Muslim for an Istikhara to be helpful. You can of course perform istikhara as a Muslim, but it will not be as effective without devotion to Allah. This is because Allah SWT readily guides those who are already his faithful servants and have a connection with him.
Muslim Life Partner?
It is also recommended that before Istikhara, you speak to an imam or Muslim scholar to get proper advice regarding the process and the purpose for your Istikhara dua.
Dua During Istikhara
After ablution, you will perform 2 rakats of Nafil (non-obligatory prayer) and at the end of the prayer you will perform the dua for marriage. Opinions differ as to when to exactly perform it, before or after the taslim, but it is generally expected that either or is correct.
The dua of istikhara for marriage goes as this:
Arabic Pronunciation of Istikhara
Allaahumma ‘innee ‘astakheeruka bi’ilmika, wa ‘astaqdiruka biqudratika, wa ‘as’aluka min fadhtikal-‘Adheemi, fa’innaka taqdiru wa laa ‘aqdiru, wa ta’lamu, wa laa ‘a’lamu, wa ‘Anta ‘Allaamul-Ghuyoobi, Allaahumma ‘in kunta ta’lamu ‘anna haathal-‘amra-[then mention the thing to be decided] Khayrun lee fee deenee wa ma’aashee wa ‘aaqibati ‘amree – [or say] ‘Aajilihi wa ‘aajilihi – Faqdurhu lee wa yassirhu lee thumma baarik lee feehi, wa ‘in kunta ta’lamu ‘anna haathal-‘amra sharrun lee fee deenee wa ma’aashee wa ‘aaqibati ‘amree – [or say] ‘Aajilihi wa ‘aajilihi – Fasrifhu ‘annee wasrifnee ‘anhu waqdur liyal-khayra haythu kaana thumma ‘ardhinee bihi
Remember that the Istikhara dua for male and female are the same. There are no differences, only what you ask for during your prayers.
How to Get Results from Istikhara?
We recommend that Istikhara be prayed not once, but many more times, preferably for the next 7 days. The best times to perform Istikhara are after Fajr and before sunrise, or after Isha. You would still need to conduct obligatory prayers before the dua itself.
Your guidance may come in the form of dreams, or subtle signs throughout the day.
Most importantly, don’t stop seeking Allah’s guidance. Read the Quran and pray 5 times a day. Allah always knows what is best for his loyal servants.
References:
https://www.al-islam.org/ask/topics/1956/questions-about-Istikhara
https://askimam.org/public/question_detail/14994
https://www.islamicfinder.org/duas/masnoon/for-istikhara/
- Arranged Marriage vs. Forced Marriage | The Basics Are Discussed - April 24, 2024
- Why Can’t Muslims Give Hugs? Islam Has Precise Ruling - April 15, 2024
- How Does Polygamy Work Sexually in Islam? The Basics You Must Know - April 6, 2024