Istikhara Ki Dua Aur Istikhara Ka Tarika

Here we will discuss istikhara Ki Dua and Tarika?

This is a complete guide to perform istikhara prayer.

You will be guided step by step until completion.

What Is Istikharah Prayer?

Sunat istikhara prayer is a prayer to ask for guidance from God.

It is done when a person is in doubt in making a choice or determining what is best.

For example, when a person is looking for a job and gets two job offers simultaneously, both of which are perceived as good.

Due to confusion in determining which work should be accepted, it is circumcised to perform istikharah circumcision prayer.

The same goes for other matters such as the chapter on mate selection, offers to further education and so on.

This was stated by the Prophet SAW in a hadith narrated by Jabir bin Abdullah ra which means:

Rasulullah SAW taught us to be istikharah in all matters, like teaching us surahs from the Qur’an. His Majesty said: “When one of you wants to do something that is not clear, he should pray two rak’ahs which are not fard, then pray”

— Narrated by all except Muslims

The Istikharah circumcision prayer is performed with the hope that the decision taken will be guided by Allah SWT.

Istikhara Ki Dua should only be done for things or jobs that comply with Islamic law.

Prayers that are done on matters that clearly contradict religion are certainly not led by Allah SWT.

The meaning of Istikharah Ki Dua

Istikharah is derived from an Arabic word that means ‘asking for an explanation’ or ‘guidance’. Therefore, Istikharah Ki Dua is a circumcision prayer that is performed to ask Allah SWT for guidance in choosing or doing something or an affair.

This happens if a person is still in doubt with his choice whether to continue a job or otherwise.

Conditions To Do Istikharah Prayer

Is Istikhara Ka Tarika bound to certain conditions?

The details of this matter have been studied by scholars and religious scholars for a long time.

The scholars put some general conditions for the practice of this istikhara. It is intended to protect so that this practice remains alive and well, and is not tainted by inappropriate (and destructive) additions.

The conditions can be summarized as follows:

Istikharah should be done in matters where the good side of it is not yet clear. For example, marriage, traveling, moving and so on.
Istikhara Prayer is done only for things that should, not in things that are obligatory. For example, if a person does istikhara whether to fast Ramadan or not, then such istikhara is not allowed.

Beristikharah for things that are forbidden is also forbidden because Allah SWT does not make the things that He has forbidden as good.
The prayers that are recited while doing istikhara are preferably good prayers, that is, as taught by the Prophet Muhammad SAW.

This is because the prayer taught by the Prophet SAW has advantages and benefits. Otherwise, His Majesty would not have taught RA’s friends in such detail.

However, flexibility is given to those who are unable to memorize the prayer from the Prophet, or are unable to read Arabic. They are required to read other prayers.

Istikhara Ki Dua is done with sincerity and full dependence on Allah SWT. We hope that Allah SWT will show and facilitate us towards something.

This is because Allah SWT knows best what is best for His servants. Maybe we like something, but in reality it’s not good for us, and maybe the thing we don’t like is actually better for us.

Before Istikhara Ki Dua, Do Istisyarah First

What is meant by istisyarah?

Istisyarah means ‘asking for advice.’

It means asking for advice from those who are more knowledgeable and experienced about the problem you are facing.

The Prophet did not perform istikhara in some important situations.

This is because the prophet was convinced that the choice was right.

For example in the battle of Badr when the Prophet wanted to choose an area far from a spring.

The friends suggested to choose a place close to a spring.

After hearing the explanation of how important it is to make a camp near a spring, the Messenger of God continued to accept the friend’s suggestion as relevant and much better than the first suggestion.

During the battle of Khandaq, when Salman Al-Farisi suggested digging a trench, the Prophet accepted it without begging.

This is because the proposal is indeed the best in consideration.

In our situation:

Talk to the family, ask for the opinion of the elders we know, ustaz, and ustaz we are close to.

God willing, their views have wisdom that will open our minds.

If it is clear which is the best option, then istikhara prayer is not required. If we feel unsure, then we do istikhara.

Through the Prophet himself we learn.

Emotional And Mental Preparation During Istikharah

Let’s examine the preparation of istikhara through the emotional and mental angle.

What I mean here is how our emotional state and mind (mindset) should be when doing this istikhara Ka Tarika.

Confident

The feeling of believing and confident that Allah SWT will help His servants who pray to Him. Confident that Allah SWT will show us a better way.
Understand

We should understand the meaning of every prayer we say.

This is because, only with that understanding can we truly embody the prayers we pray.

This understanding is also a factor that is very helpful in presenting the sincere nature in us.
Dependence

Present the highest sense of dependence on Allah SWT. That is the feeling of how dwarfed we are, and to Allah SWT we return all matters.

Among the efforts that can be done is by melazimi this istikhara in every business; small or big

This educates our hearts to always be bound to Allah SWT, not only when our affairs have become ‘really’ difficult.
Turning Your Back on Lust

Among the main manners is the need for us to put our lust and desires behind us.

In other words, we hope for the guidance of Allah SWT and put it in front. This is because Allah SWT knows best what is best for us.

It may be that we like something, but the fact is that it is not good for us.

Three Methods of Performing Istikhara

Regarding the method of performing Istikhara Ki Dua, according to popular opinions, it is divided into three forms:

The most perfect form is to do two rak’ahs of sunat istikhara, and read a beautiful prayer as taught by the Prophet Muhammad SAW.
The second form is that we read the prayer only without performing the circumcision prayer. This second form is required if at that time we are unable or unwell to pray and pray together. For example, people who are sick or menstruating, this group should only pray for istikhara.
The third stage is to pray after any prayer, with the intention of Istikhara Prayer and asking for guidance from Allah SWT.

Istikhara Prayer Time

When is the most appropriate time to do istikhara?

Is there any specific time or Istikhara Ki Dua can be done at any time?

This is explained as follows:

Just Pray

There is an opinion that requires istikhara by praying only without praying, so this istikhara can be done at any time. This is because there is no obstacle to pray at all times.

Time Can Do Istikharah Prayer

For those who perform two rakats of Istikharah prayer, then it is related to the time when it is permissible to perform circumcision prayer and the time that is makruh.

This Istikharah circumcision prayer must be performed at all times except during the makruh time as follows:

After the obligatory dawn prayer until Dhuha time
After the obligatory afternoon prayer until sunset

The wisdom of this prohibition is not to resemble some of the infidels who worship the sun at sunrise and also prostrate at sunset.

This prohibition is intended to close all doors towards shirk and actions that resemble the practices of infidels.

The Best Time to Perform Istikharah Prayer

There is no specific argument that indicates a special time for us to pray istikharah and pray.

The most correct opinion is that we increase our prayers at all times, especially during times of need.

Among the mustajab times to pray are:

The time between azan and iqamah
In the middle of the night or the last third of the night (qiamullail ) together with the Tahajjud Prayer and the Repentance Prayer.
When prostrating.
At the end of every prayer, that is before greeting.

Usolli Sunnatal Istikharati Rak’ataini Lillahi Ta’alakharah Prayer

Istikhara Ka Tarika

The Istikhara Ka Tarika in terms of movement is the same as other circumcision prayers.

The reading in this prayer is not determined. Therefore, you can read any surah you like.

Istikharah Ki Dua

The Prophet SAW often taught this prayer as he taught the verses of the Qur’an (Records of Imam Al-Bukhari)

Indications of Istikharah

How are our istikhara instructions answered?

When we have performed the istikhara prayer then we should surrender to Allah Taala.

Pray to God with full confidence to be given guidance through dreams , intuition (feeling more inclined & strong) and to be made easier which matters are good.

According to Dr Ali Jum’ah:

It is important to know that it is not when we have done the istikhara prayer that we will dream or see a miraculous event, but usually when the thing we are going to do is good for us to continue then it means that everything related to it will be easy and vice versa.

Signs of Istikharah Prayer Answered

The sign of Istikharah is usually answered through intuition (feeling more inclined & strong) and facilitated which business is good.

It should be known that when we have done the Istikharah Ki Dua, we will not dream or see a miraculous event, but usually when the thing we are going to do is good for us to continue then it means that everything related to it will be easy and vice versa.

Questions and Answers to Problems Related to Istikharah Prayers

Listed below are some frequently asked questions and answers related to Istikharah Prayer:

When is the Best Time to Pray?

Scholars have different views on the time for us to recite this istikhara prayer. In general, their opinions can be divided into three:

After Greeting

This opinion is the opinion of most scholars. The prayer is recited immediately after greeting the second rak’ah of the istikhara prayer.
Before Giving Salam

Some other opinions require us to recite a prayer during the final prostration of the Istikhara prayer, or after the final tahiyat.
No Special Time

The last opinion says there is no specific time for this prayer. A person can pray before greeting or after finishing the prayer. Among the scholars who hold this opinion is Imam Ibnu Taimiyah.

Do We Need to Memorize Prayers?

For those who are able, it is best if we try to memorize the Istikhara Ki Dua taught by the Prophet SAW.

Is Prayer Needed to Begin with Salawat and Alhamdulillah?

Imam Nawawi believes that it is necessary to recite Alhamdulillah and Salawat at the beginning of the prayer.

This is because there are hadiths that advocate this reading.

However, it is better for us to limit the prayer to what was taught by the Prophet Muhammad SAW and not add to the prayer. This is better and better.

When Praying, Is It Necessary To Express Your Desires Or Is It Enough To Just Pray In Your Heart?

Although there may be those who think that Allah SWT knows every content of our hearts, but we should practice istikhara according to what was taught by Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Is it possible to make many requests in one prayer or prayer?

The answer to this question varies according to the situation:

The first condition:

If the requests to be asked are related to each other, it is required to gather many requests in one prayer.
The second situation:

For requests that are not related to each other, there is no problem for us to combine them in one prayer.

But it is better if it is done in separate istikhara prayers.

What Should Be Done If I’m Unwell & Can’t Pray?

If we are not able to perform the Istikharah prayer (such as a menstruating woman ), then it is permissible to continue reading the Istikharah Ki Dua.

Therefore, a woman who does not pray because of a shar’ie illness, her prayer is still valid even if it is not accompanied by prayer.

Is It Necessary to Perform Istikharah Repeatedly?

The answer to this question is divided into several opinions:

First Opinion

It is not required for us to repeat istikhara many times. This opinion is based on the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad SAW which says that the Istikhara prayer is a two-rak’ah prayer.

Second Opinion

We are allowed to perform istikhara sunat prayers repeatedly. This proof is from the practice of the companions.

Among them is Ibn Zubair who said:

Indeed, I have prayed to my Allah three times”

It was also practiced by Sayyidina Umar al-Khattab RA when writing the hadith. It is said that Sayidina Umar RA did shura with other companions, then he did istikhara for a month before making a decision.

And the last is the words of Sayidina Anas bin Malik:

If you intend on a matter, do istikhara to Allah on that matter seven times”

Third Opinion

This opinion does not set any number. This opinion says istikhara Ka Tarika can be done repeatedly as long as no answer is received.

If you have received an answer, then there is no need to do istikhara.

Can Delegate Others To Do Istikharah?

The main opinion is not to allow this.

They believe that it is not permissible for a person to pray for another person, whether it is an obligatory prayer or a circumcised prayer, also whether it is for a person who is still alive or who has died.

Some scholars, among them in the Syafi’e sect, require a person to do istikhara for his other brother.

This opinion is based on a hadith of the Prophet SAW which means:

Whoever is able to benefit his brother, then do it”

(History of Imam Muslim)

What if I Still Haven’t Received Answers and Decisions?

Keep praying.

If the first istikhara does not bring confidence, do it again for the second and third time.

This may be a sign that Allah SWT wants us to continue to appeal to Him and ask Him for help.

Whatever, don’t ever give up hope.

Even if we ask a thousand times without a definite clue, that is no reason to stop asking.

Know that God just hasn’t put that tendency in our hearts.

I rarely pray. Will My Istikharah Be Answered?

Allah is the place where all creatures depend.

Even the biggest sinner can still turn to God and ask from Him. This is a sign of our sincerity and trust in God.

Therefore, perform istikhara ki dua even if you have not prayed before.

How can we find blessings from istikhara?

In the process of this istikhara, plant in our hearts that what we expect from this istikhara is for Allah SWT to always show us the way and guide us, shade and observe our life’s journey, and bestow as many blessings and mercy upon us.

We hope that Allah SWT does not ignore our personal details, such as a prayer taught in a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad which means:

“Ya Hayyu ya Qayyum, with your mercy I am asking for help, fix all my affairs, and don’t leave me to myself even for a moment”

Therefore, we are required to do our every charity and deed to the best of our ability.

May our every diligence and effort in charity be seen by Allah SWT and be rewarded with the best.

Try to comply with every pillar and condition, as well as practice all manners in every charity we do.

How Many Times Do You Have to Do the Istikharah Sunat Prayer?

We are allowed to perform the Sunat Istikharah prayer repeatedly. This proof is from the practice of the companions.

Among them is Ibn Zubair who said: ” Indeed, I am istikharah to my Lord three times” . It was also practiced by Sayyidina Umar al-Khattab RA when writing the hadith. He meditated for a month before making a decision.

What is the meaning of Istikharah?

Istikharah is derived from an Arabic word that means ‘asking for an explanation’ or ‘guidance’

Why Is Istikharah Prayer Performed?

When a person is in doubt in making a choice or determining what is best, then it is sunnah to do istikhara.

How many Rakaat of Istikharah Prayer?

Sunat istikhara ki dua is performed at least 2 rakaat. And it can be multiplied up to 12 rakaat (6 times salam)

When is the Best Time for Istikharah Prayer?

The best time to perform the Istikharah Prayer is in the middle of the night or the last third of the night (qiamullail) together with the Tahajjud Prayer and the Repentance Prayer.

How Is Istikharah For Menstruating Women?

If unable to pray (such as a menstruating woman), then it is permissible to continue reading the Istikharah Prayer.

Is Istikharah Prayer Must Sleep First?

It is not required to sleep first to perform istikhara.

Conditions of Istikharah Prayer

Istikhara Prayer should be done in matters where the good side of it is not yet clear. For example, marriage, traveling, moving and so on.

Istikhara prayer is not valid if it involves obligatory matters. For example, if a person does istikhara whether to fast Ramadan or not, then such istikhara is not allowed.

Closing

Praying Istikhara Ki Dua is symbolic of our dependence on God.

Shows that we are weak servants of God, who really need His leadership.

So ask God to give guidance and make things easier.

And after the decision is made, trust God that everything that happens after this is definitely the best for our lives, God willing.

Hope it is useful.