Seeking Guidance from Allah…
Istikharah means asking for ‘Khair’ aka ‘good’ or ‘better’. It’s a dua specifically related to asking Allah for guidance over matters which requires a decision.
According to one Hadith: “It is from the good fortune of man that he makes Istikharah (seeks good) from Allah, and it is from his misfortune that he discards Istikharah.”
Many of us have heard of this dua but sometimes remain unsure about how to perform it, when to read it and what to expect once completed. The following video answers all these questions and dispels any misconceptions associated with Istikharah. Admittedly, the video is long(30 minutes) but definitely well-worth watching and passing on to people you know who may need this info!
DUA:
‘O Allah, I seek Your counsel by Your knowledge and by Your power I seek strength and I ask You from Your immense favour, for verily You are able while I am not and verily You know while I do not and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know this affair (-and here he mentions his need-) to be good for me in relation to my religion, my life, and end, then decree and facilitate it for me, and bless me with it, and if You know this affair to be ill for me towards my religion, my life, and end, then remove it from me and remove me from it, and decree for me what is good wherever it be and make me satisfied with such.’
One who seeks guidance from his Creator and consults his fellow believers and then remains firm in his resolve does not regret for Allah has said:
(ii)
‘…and consult them in the affair. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah…”
The believers are only those who, when Allāh is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely. [Al-Anfal:2]