Istikhara Dua in Arabic ( استخارہ کی دعا)
اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلا أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلا أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ. اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هذَا الْأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي أَوْ قَالَ فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هذَا الْأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي أَوْ قَالَ فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي**
Transliteration
Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi’ilmika, wa astaqdiruka bi-qudratika, wa as’aluka min fadlika al-‘azheem, fa-innaka taqdiru wa la aqdiru, wa ta’lamu wa la a’lamu, wa anta ‘allamul-ghuyub.
Allahumma in kunta ta’lamu anna hadhal-amra khairun li fi deeni wa ma’ashi wa ‘aqibati amri (aw qala fi ‘ajili amri wa ajilihi) faqdurhu li wa yassirhu li thumma barik li fihi.
Wa in kunta ta’lamu anna hadhal-amra sharrun li fi deeni wa ma’ashi wa ‘aqibati amri (aw qala fi ‘ajili amri wa ajilihi) fasrifhu anni wasrifni ‘anhu waqdur li al-khaira haythu kana thumma ardhini.
English Translation
O Allah, I seek Your guidance [in making a choice] by virtue of Your knowledge, and I seek ability by Your power, and I ask You from Your immense favor. Indeed, you have power while I do not, and you know while I do not, and you are the Knower of the unseen.
O Allah, if You know that this matter is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs (or he said: in the near and distant future), then decree it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me.
And if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs (or he said: in the near and distant future), then turn it away from me, and turn me away from it, and decree for me what is good wherever it may be, and make me content with it.
Urdu Translation
اے اللہ! میں تیرے علم کے ذریعے تجھ سے بھلائی طلب کرتا ہوں، اور تیری قدرت کے وسیلے سے تجھ سے طاقت مانگتا ہوں، اور تجھ سے تیرے عظیم فضل کا سوال کرتا ہوں، کیونکہ تو ہر چیز پر قادر ہے اور میں قادر نہیں، تو سب کچھ جانتا ہے اور میں نہیں جانتا، اور تو ہی تمام غیبوں کو خوب جاننے والا ہے۔ اے اللہ! اگر تو جانتا ہے کہ یہ کام میرے لیے میرے دین، میری دنیا اور میرے انجام کے اعتبار سے بہتر ہے، یا میرے فوری اور آئندہ معاملات کے لحاظ سے اچھا ہے، تو اسے میرے حق میں مقدر فرما دے، اسے میرے لیے آسان کر دے اور اس میں میرے لیے برکت عطا فرما۔ اور اگر تو جانتا ہے کہ یہ کام میرے لیے میرے دین، میری دنیا اور میرے انجام کے اعتبار سے برا ہے، یا میرے فوری اور آئندہ معاملات کے لحاظ سے نقصان دہ ہے، تو اسے مجھ سے دور کر دے اور مجھے اس سے ہٹا دے، اور جہاں کہیں بھی بھلائی ہو اسے میرے لیے مقدر فرما دے، پھر مجھے اس پر دل سے راضی کر دے۔
What Is Istikhara in Islam?
Safar Ki Dua is a powerful and authentic travel supplication taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to seek Allah’s protection, ease, and blessings before and during a journey. In Islam, Safar (travel) is considered a significant spiritual experience, as it involves uncertainty, physical effort, and complete reliance on Allah (Tawakkul). Whether traveling for work, education, visiting family, Umrah, or Hajj, Muslims are encouraged to begin their journey by remembering Allah and following the Sunnah of Rasulullah ﷺ. Learning Safar Ki Dua in Arabic with Urdu and English translation helps strengthen faith, brings peace to the heart, and ensures that the journey remains safe, meaningful, and blessed according to Islamic teachings.
سفر کی دعا ایک مسنون اور طاقتور دعا ہے جو نبی کریم حضرت محمد ﷺ نے سفر سے پہلے اور دورانِ سفر پڑھنے کے لیے سکھائی۔ اسلام میں سفر (Safar) کو ایک اہم روحانی مرحلہ سمجھا جاتا ہے کیونکہ اس میں انسان کو مشکلات، غیر یقینی حالات اور مکمل طور پر اللہ تعالیٰ پر بھروسہ (توکل) کرنا پڑتا ہے۔ چاہے سفر حج، عمرہ، روزگار، تعلیم یا رشتہ داروں سے ملاقات کے لیے ہو، اسلام ہمیں سکھاتا ہے کہ ہر سفر کی ابتدا اللہ کے ذکر اور سنتِ رسول ﷺ پر عمل سے کی جائے۔ سفر کی دعا عربی متن، اردو اور انگریزی ترجمے کے ساتھ سیکھنا ایمان کو مضبوط کرتا ہے، دل کو سکون دیتا ہے اور سفر کو محفوظ، آسان اور بابرکت بناتا ہے۔
The Meaning of Seeking Good From Allah
When a believer performs Istikhara, he openly admits his weakness. He acknowledges that human planning is flawed and that Allah’s knowledge is perfect. This admission itself is an act of worship. By asking Allah to choose, the believer frees himself from arrogance and self dependence.
Istikhara as a Spiritual Mindset, Not Just a Prayer
Many people reduce Istikhara to a ritual they perform once and forget. In reality, Istikhara is a mindset. It is the state of surrender where a believer accepts that whatever unfolds after seeking guidance is part of Allah’s wisdom, even if it contradicts personal desires.
When Should You Pray Istikhara?
Istikhara is recommended for decisions that shape one’s life direction. This includes marriage, business partnerships, career choices, relocation, and major financial commitments. Any decision that leaves the heart unsettled is a valid reason to turn to Istikhara.
Decisions That Require Istikhara
Marriage proposals, choosing between job offers, starting or ending a business, and moving to a new place are all situations where emotions and logic often collide. Istikhara brings balance by inviting divine guidance into the process.
When Istikhara Is Not Required
Istikhara is not performed for obligations such as daily prayers or fasting, nor for sinful actions. One does not pray Istikhara asking whether to commit something Allah has already forbidden. Guidance is already clear in such matters.
How to Pray Istikhara Step by Step
The beauty of Istikhara lies in its simplicity. It does not require complexity or strict conditions beyond sincerity.
Preparing the Heart and Intention
Before praying Istikhara, the believer should calm the heart and clarify the intention. The decision should be lawful and the intention should be sincere. Istikhara is not a test for Allah. It is a request made with humility.
Performing the Two Rak‘ah Prayer
The Sunnah is to pray two voluntary units of prayer. These are separate from obligatory prayers. Any time is permissible except disliked prayer times. The focus should be on presence, not speed.
Reciting the Istikhara Dua
After completing the prayer, the Istikhara du‘a is recited. At the point where the decision is mentioned, the believer names the specific matter in his heart or verbally.
Best Time to Pray Istikhara
Istikhara can be performed at any time of the day or night, as long as it does not fall within the disliked prayer times, such as immediately after Fajr until sunrise, at the zenith of the sun, or after Asr until sunset.
Beyond these brief exceptions, Allah’s doors are always open. Some people prefer the quiet of the night because the heart is calmer and distractions are fewer, but this is a matter of personal ease, not obligation. What matters far more than timing is sincerity and presence of heart.
Benefits of Istikhara Dua
Guidance from Allah
Istikhara Dua helps a believer seek guidance directly from Allah when facing important life decisions.
- Connects the heart with Allah’s wisdom
- Helps choose what is best in the long run
- Encourages reliance on divine guidance rather than assumptions
By praying Istikhara, a person acknowledges that Allah knows what is beneficial, even when the outcome is unclear.
Removes Confusion and Doubt
One of the greatest benefits of Istikhara Dua is relief from uncertainty and mental confusion.
- Clears hesitation between multiple choices
- Reduces overthinking and anxiety
- Brings clarity and direction to the heart
Istikhara allows a believer to move forward with confidence after placing trust in Allah.
Brings Peace of Mind
Istikhara Dua provides inner peace and emotional stability after making a decision.
- Creates contentment in the heart
- Reduces fear of regret
- Helps accept outcomes calmly
When a matter is handed over to Allah, the heart finds comfort in His decree.
Strengthens Trust in Allah (Tawakkul)
Praying Istikhara strengthens faith and reliance on Allah’s plan.
- Builds spiritual confidence
- Reinforces belief in Allah’s wisdom
- Encourages patience with outcomes
Istikhara reminds believers that Allah’s decisions are always better than human judgment.
Protects from Harmful Decisions
Istikhara helps prevent choices that may lead to loss, regret, or hardship.
- Keeps a person away from harmful paths
- Guides toward beneficial outcomes
- Aligns decisions with long-term good
Allah gently turns the heart away from what is harmful and toward what is better.
A Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Istikhara Dua is a Sunnah taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for all important matters.
- Follows prophetic guidance
- Earns spiritual reward
- Strengthens connection with Islamic practice
By practicing Istikhara, a believer revives a Sunnah and gains both guidance and reward.
Can Istikhara Be Performed Without the Two Rak‘ah Prayer?
The Sunnah method of Istikhara includes praying two voluntary rak‘ah followed by the prescribed du‘a. This remains the most complete and rewarded way to perform Istikhara. However, Islamic scholarship also recognizes real-life limitations.
If a person is unable to pray due to illness, travel, or unavoidable circumstances, he may still make the Istikhara du‘a alone. Allah is not bound by formality. He responds to need and sincerity. That said, when the ability to pray exists, one should not abandon the prayer casually, as the Prophet ﷺ consistently taught Istikhara with salah.
How Does Allah Answer Istikhara?
Allah answers Istikhara in ways that align with His wisdom, not always human expectations.
Is Istikhara Always Answered Through Dreams?
Dreams are not a condition of Istikhara. Many companions never reported dreams after Istikhara. Guidance often comes through ease, obstacles, clarity, or a natural shift of the heart.
Signs of Ease, Difficulty, and Inner Peace
If a matter proceeds smoothly and the heart feels settled, it may indicate goodness. If doors repeatedly close or discomfort grows, it may be protection. Both are forms of guidance.
How Long Does Istikhara Take to Show Results?
There is no fixed timeline. Sometimes clarity comes quickly. Other times it unfolds gradually. Patience is part of the process.
Istikhara and Consulting Others (Shura)
Istikhara does not replace human effort, reflection, or consultation. Islam encourages balance. A believer seeks guidance from Allah and wisdom from people of insight. Consulting parents, scholars, or trusted individuals is not a sign of weak faith. It is part of responsible decision making.
The Prophet ﷺ himself practiced consultation, even though he was guided by revelation. Istikhara aligns the heart with Allah, while consultation sharpens understanding. When both are combined, decisions carry clarity and confidence.
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Istikhara
Yes or No Signs After Istikhara
Istikhara is not a divine signal system. It is guidance that unfolds through real life.
Can Someone Else Pray Istikhara for You?
A person may make du‘a for another, but Istikhara is best prayed by the one making the decision.
Repeating Istikhara Multiple Times
Repeating Istikhara is permissible if confusion remains, but endless repetition without action reflects fear, not faith.
Istikhara for Marriage and Love
Marriage decisions are deeply emotional, which makes Istikhara essential. Love can blind judgment, while fear can paralyze it. Istikhara brings balance.
Why Istikhara Is Essential Before Marriage
Marriage affects faith, peace, and the future. Istikhara seeks Allah’s protection from harm unseen.
Qur’anic Du‘as for Marriage
Alongside Istikhara, believers may recite supplications asking Allah for righteous spouses and tranquility.
Istikhara When Emotions Are Involved
Even when emotions are strong, Istikhara does not negate effort. It refines it with trust.
Istikhara for Business, Career, and Financial Decisions
Although Istikhara is often associated with marriage, its scope is much broader. Career choices, business partnerships, investments, and financial risks all shape a person’s stability and faith. These decisions deserve divine guidance just as much.
Istikhara in worldly matters protects a believer from unseen harm, unethical entanglements, and regret. It reminds the heart that provision comes from Allah, not contracts or calculations alone.
What to Do If the Outcome Hurts or Disappoints You
Sometimes Istikhara leads to outcomes that feel painful. A proposal ends, an opportunity collapses, or plans fall apart despite effort. This is often where faith is tested.
Disappointment after Istikhara does not mean it failed. It often means protection has taken place in a form the heart does not yet understand. Many people only realize years later that what they wanted would have harmed their faith or peace. Acceptance in such moments is not passive resignation. It is active trust.
Istikhara vs Personal Desire: When the Heart Resists the Answer
One of the most difficult struggles after Istikhara is internal resistance. A person may sense that a path is closing, yet the heart clings to desire. This tension is human, not sinful.
Istikhara does not erase emotion instantly. It trains the believer to recognize when attachment clouds judgment. True submission is not pretending to feel nothing. It is choosing obedience even when the heart needs time to heal.
Conclusion: Walking Forward With Tawakkul
Istikhara is not about waiting for certainty before acting. It is about acting after surrender. When a believer places his matter in Allah’s hands and walks forward with trust, every outcome becomes meaningful. Even disappointment carries protection, and every delay hides mercy. Istikhara teaches the heart to rest, not because answers are clear, but because Allah is in control.
Frequently Asked Questions About Istikhara
What if confusion remains after Istikhara?
Then consult trusted people, reflect, and move forward while maintaining trust in Allah.
Can Istikhara be prayed by someone struggling in faith?
Yes. Allah’s mercy is not restricted to the perfect.
Does Istikhara change destiny?
Istikhara is part of destiny. It is one of the means Allah uses to guide His servants.