What is the Correct Method of Performing Istikhārah?
Source: Fatāwā Amunpūrī by Shaykh Ghulām Mustafa Zaheer Amunpūrī
What is the correct method of performing Salāh al-Istikhārah (the Prayer of Seeking Guidance)?
Istikhārah is a Sunnah of the Noble Prophet ﷺ, and it serves as a protected fortress for every believer. Unfortunately, in our times, this simple and profound Sunnah has been surrounded by superstitions and baseless interpretations. Rather than understanding it in light of the Islamic spirit, it has been made unnecessarily complicated — a distortion that needs to be rectified.
➤ Perform two units (rakʿāt) of voluntary prayer with the intention of Istikhārah.
➤ After the prayer, recite the duʿā of Istikhārah (as taught in authentic ḥadīths).
➤ Then, proceed with your intended task, placing your trust in Allah.
✔ If going to propose for marriage — perform Istikhārah before leaving home.
✔ Before beginning a new business — perform Istikhārah.
✔ Prior to embarking on a journey — perform Istikhārah.
The widespread belief that one must sleep after Istikhārah and wait for a dream or vision is baseless.
It has no foundation in the Qur’ān or Sunnah.
The essence of Istikhārah is to seek Allah’s guidance and place trust in His decision — not to wait for signs in dreams.
✔ Istikhārah is a practical Sunnah, not an abstract ritual.
✔ It is performed with prayer and duʿā, followed by proceeding confidently in the matter.
✔ There is no requirement to sleep, nor to wait for a dream or vision.
✔ The emphasis is on tawakkul (trust in Allah) after sincere supplication.
Source: Fatāwā Amunpūrī by Shaykh Ghulām Mustafa Zaheer Amunpūrī
❖ Question:
What is the correct method of performing Salāh al-Istikhārah (the Prayer of Seeking Guidance)?
✿ Answer:
Istikhārah is a Sunnah of the Noble Prophet ﷺ, and it serves as a protected fortress for every believer. Unfortunately, in our times, this simple and profound Sunnah has been surrounded by superstitions and baseless interpretations. Rather than understanding it in light of the Islamic spirit, it has been made unnecessarily complicated — a distortion that needs to be rectified.
The Correct Method of Istikhārah:
➤ Perform two units (rakʿāt) of voluntary prayer with the intention of Istikhārah.
➤ After the prayer, recite the duʿā of Istikhārah (as taught in authentic ḥadīths).
➤ Then, proceed with your intended task, placing your trust in Allah.
✿ Practical Examples:
✔ If going to propose for marriage — perform Istikhārah before leaving home.
✔ Before beginning a new business — perform Istikhārah.
✔ Prior to embarking on a journey — perform Istikhārah.
✖ Common Misconception:
The widespread belief that one must sleep after Istikhārah and wait for a dream or vision is baseless.
It has no foundation in the Qur’ān or Sunnah.
The essence of Istikhārah is to seek Allah’s guidance and place trust in His decision — not to wait for signs in dreams.
Conclusion:
✔ Istikhārah is a practical Sunnah, not an abstract ritual.
✔ It is performed with prayer and duʿā, followed by proceeding confidently in the matter.
✔ There is no requirement to sleep, nor to wait for a dream or vision.
✔ The emphasis is on tawakkul (trust in Allah) after sincere supplication.
