How to do Istikhara is an Islamic tradition that involves seeking guidance from Allah (SWT) before making important decisions. It is a way to seek the best outcome for one’s religion, life, and future. In this article, we will discuss the main purpose of Istikhara, how to perform it, signs and interpretations of Istikhara, and common misconceptions about it.
Main Purpose of how to do Istikhara
The main purpose of Istikhara is to seek guidance from Allah (SWT) in matters of uncertainty or decision-making. It is often associated with marriage, career choices, or major life changes, but can be performed for any decision. How to do Istikhara is a form of supplication where Muslims seek guidance from Allah before making important decisions. It involves performing a specific prayer and then paying attention to signs or feelings that may indicate the right course of action.
How to Do Istikhara
- Prepare Mentally: Clear your mind of distractions and focus on your intention to seek guidance.
- Perform the Prayer: Recite the Istikhara prayer, seeking Allah’s guidance and clarity in your decision.
- Trust in Allah: After performing the prayer, trust that Allah will guide you in the right direction, whether through dreams or other means.
Step 1: Purify Your Intention
Ensure your intention is sincere in seeking Allah’s guidance and not influenced by personal desires or biases. This is a crucial step, as the success of your Istikhara depends on your sincerity.
Step 2: Offer Two-Rak’ah Voluntary Prayer
Before supplicating, perform the two-rak’ah non-obligatory prayer to seek closeness to Allah. This prayer is a form of worship that helps you connect with Allah and prepare your heart for the Istikhara dua.
Step 3: Recite the Istikhara Dua
After completing the prayer, recite the specific supplication for Istikhara dua. This dua seeks guidance from Allah regarding the matter at hand. It is essential to recite the dua with understanding and sincerity.
Step 4: Trust Allah’s Decision
After supplicating, it is essential to trust in Allah’s wisdom and be patient for His guidance to manifest. Remember that Allah knows what is best for you and will guide you towards the right path if you genuinely seek His help.
Step 5: Understanding the Outcome of Istikhara
The outcome of Istikhara may not always come in the form of a clear sign or immediate guidance. Allah may guide you through various signs or indications, which may be recognized through feelings or circumstances that unfold over time. Therefore, it is crucial to remain vigilant and open-minded while seeking Allah’s response.
Step 6: Seek Allah’s Guidance Regularly
Istikhara is not a one-time event. It is recommended to perform Istikhara regularly, especially when facing important decisions. This helps you maintain a strong connection with Allah and seek His guidance consistently.
Remember, the purpose of how to do Istikhara is to seek Allah’s guidance in decision-making, acknowledging your dependence on Him and recognizing that only He has the knowledge of what is in your best interest. By performing Istikhara, you establish a connection with Allah and seek His wisdom in matters that affect your life.
Signs and Interpretation of Istikhara
Dreams are considered one of the ways Allah communicates with His believers in the context of how to do Istikhara. They serve as a conduit for divine communication, offering guidance or clarification regarding a decision. Dreams can offer clarity, confirmation, or cautionary messages, guiding believers toward the most beneficial course of action in alignment with Allah’s will.
Dreams as Signs
Dreams can manifest in various forms, such as whiteness, greenness, redness, or blackness. These colors can symbolize different outcomes or paths. For example, whiteness or greenness may indicate that a particular decision is good, while redness or blackness may suggest that it is bad. However, it is essential to remember that dreams are not always straightforward and may require interpretation.
Interpreting Dreams
Interpreting Istikhara signs in dreams can be complex, as dreams can hold multiple meanings and may not always be clear. It is crucial to reflect deeply on the different interpretations and seek further guidance through prayer and consultation.
Common Misconceptions about Istikhara
There are two common misconceptions about Istikhara:
- Misconception 1: Some people believe that the outcome of the Istikhara is like a revelation from Allah, making it obligatory to accept and place their lives and destiny in the result of the Istikhara. This is incorrect, as Istikhara is a form of guidance, not a direct revelation.
- Misconception 2: Others believe that Istikhara is only about dreams. However, Istikhara can also involve feelings, thoughts, or other signs that may indicate the right course of action.
In conclusion, how to do Istikhara is a valuable tool for seeking guidance from Allah (SWT) in important decisions. It involves performing a specific prayer and paying attention to signs or feelings that may indicate the right course of action. Dreams are one way Allah communicates through Istikhara, but they are not the only means of guidance. It is essential to remember that Istikhara is a form of guidance, not a direct revelation, and to seek further guidance through prayer and consultation when interpreting signs.
