If you are looking for the original Istikhara dua in Arabic, you are in the right place. Reciting the exact words taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the most authentic way to seek divine guidance. Whether you are making a decision about marriage, career, or travel, the istikhara dua serves as a spiritual consultation with Allah, the Knower of the Unseen.
The Importance of Reciting in Arabic
While Allah understands all languages, reciting the Istikhara dua in Arabic is highly recommended because these are the blessed words recorded in Sahih Bukhari. When you recite the original text, you are following the exact Sunnah, which carries immense spiritual reward and brings your heart closer to the Prophetic tradition.
Full Istikhara Dua in Arabic Text
Below is the complete supplication as taught in the Hadith. For those who are still learning, we have included the Urdu and English translations to help you feel the weight of every sentence.
Arabic Text (عربی متن)
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلاَّمُ الْغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي بِهِ
Urdu Translation (اردو ترجمہ)
“اے اللہ! میں تجھ سے تیرے علم کے ذریعے خیر مانگتا ہوں اور تیری قدرت کے ذریعے تجھ سے قدرت مانگتا ہوں اور میں تجھ سے تیرے عظیم فضل کا سوال کرتا ہوں، کیونکہ تو قدرت رکھتا ہے اور میں قدرت نہیں رکھتا، تو جانتا ہے اور میں نہیں جانتا اور تو تمام غیبوں کا جاننے والا ہے۔ اے اللہ! اگر تو جانتا ہے کہ یہ کام (یہاں اپنے کام کا ذکر کریں) میرے دین، میری زندگی اور میرے انجامِ کار کے لیے بہتر ہے تو اسے میرے لیے مقدر کر دے اور میرے لیے آسان کر دے، پھر اس میں میرے لیے برکت عطا فرما۔ اور اگر تو جانتا ہے کہ یہ کام میرے دین، میری زندگی اور میرے انجامِ کار کے لیے برا ہے تو اسے مجھ سے پھیر دے اور مجھے اس سے پھیر دے، اور میرے لیے بھلائی مقدر فرما جہاں بھی ہو، پھر مجھے اس پر راضی کر دے۔”
English Translation
“O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge, and I seek ability through Your power. I ask You from Your great bounty. You have power, I do not. You know, I do not. You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter is good for my religion, my life, and my hereafter, then make it easy for me and bless it. If it is bad for me, then turn it away from me and turn me away from it, and grant me what is good wherever it may be, and make me pleased with it.”
How to Recite the Arabic Dua Correctly
- The Specific Matter: In the Arabic text, when you reach the words Hadhakal-Amra (هَذَا الأَمْرَ), you should stop and think about your specific situation (like a job or a house).
- Proper Pronunciation: Try to recite slowly. If you cannot read Arabic fluently, you can listen to an audio recording or read the transliteration to ensure you are not changing the meaning of the words.
- Focus on Sincerity: The power of the Istikhara dua in Arabic lies in your Niyyah (intention). Trust that Allah knows what is hidden from you.
Why We Use the Arabic Version
The Arabic language is deep and precise. For example, the word “أَسْتَخِيرُكَ” (Astakhiruka) isn’t just “I ask,” it means “I seek the best (Khayr) from You.” Using the original language ensures that the spiritual essence of the prayer remains intact.
Conclusion
Reciting the Istikhara dua in Arabic is the most superior way to seek Allah’s help in your daily life. By combining the Sunnah words with a clear understanding of the Urdu or English meaning, you create a powerful spiritual connection. Trust that once you have finished this dua, Allah will steer your life toward the path that holds the most goodness for you.
The Arabic text of the istikhara dua is the original and most authoritative form of this Sunnah supplication, recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari from the narration of Jabir ibn Abdullah (RA). For the complete meaning, word-by-word analysis, and full method of performing this prayer, visit the main dua e istikhara page, which covers the Arabic text alongside Urdu and English translations. Muslims who want to understand the step-by-step procedure for the complete prayer including the two rakat, niyyah, and post-salah recitation should read the guide on how to perform Salatul Istikhara.
For those who want the dua explained in Farsi with cultural context, the istikhara dua in Farsi page provides a complete translation for Persian-speaking Muslims.
FAQs About Istikhara Dua in Arabic
کیا میں دیکھ کر دعا پڑھ سکتا ہوں؟ (Can I read by looking?)
Yes, you can hold a paper or your mobile phone to read the Arabic text if you haven’t memorized it yet.
If I don’t know Arabic, can I read the translation?
It is better to try reciting the Arabic text even slowly, but Allah hears the sincerity of your heart in any language.
Is it necessary to recite the full dua?
To follow the Sunnah perfectly, you should recite the full text as it was taught by the Prophet (PBUH).
When exactly do I say my “wish” in the Arabic dua?
At the point where the dua mentions “this matter” (Hadhakal-Amra), keep your specific goal in mind.
Can I recite the Arabic dua without wudu?
If you are just reciting it as a general prayer, it is allowed, but for the full Salatul Istikhara, Wudu and two Rakats are necessary.
How many times should I read the Arabic text?
Reciting it once after the prayer is the standard method, though you can repeat it if you wish for more focus.
What is the best time for Arabic Istikhara?
After Isha or during Tahajjud is considered highly recommended for deep focus.
Does the Arabic dua have to be loud?
No, you can recite it in a low, whisper-like voice or even in your heart if necessary.
Can I read the Arabic dua during my travel?
Yes, if you are making a decision while traveling, you can recite it even without the prayer if you are unable to pray at that moment.
Where can I find the correct pronunciation?
You can find many authentic audio versions online to match your recitation with the correct Arabic Tajweed.