Hello Kawan Mastah, have you ever been in a situation where you are unsure about a decision you need to make? It could be anything – from choosing a university to attend, to deciding whether to accept a job offer. These moments can be challenging, but worry not, for there is a ritual called istikharah that can help guide you in making the right decision.
What is Istikharah?
Istikharah is a prayer that Muslims perform to seek guidance from Allah (SWT) when they are unsure about a decision they need to make. It is a way to ask Allah (SWT) to guide you towards the best decision for you, and to help you avoid making the wrong choice. The word ‘istikharah’ itself comes from the Arabic word ‘khair’, which means ‘goodness’, and ‘istikhara’, which means ‘to seek goodness’.
Many Muslims turn to istikharah when they are faced with major life decisions, such as getting married, moving to a new city or starting a new job.
How to Perform Istikharah?
The ritual of istikharah involves performing a specific prayer and asking Allah (SWT) for guidance. Here are the steps to follow:
| Steps to Perform Istikharah |
|---|
| 1. Perform Wudu (ablution) and make sure you are in a clean state. |
| 2. Perform two units of optional prayer (nafil) as an opening. |
| 3. Recite the Istikharah dua (prayer). The dua can be found in various Islamic books and websites, and can be recited in either Arabic or your native language. |
| 4. After reciting the dua, think about the decision you need to make and ask Allah (SWT) to guide you towards what is best for you. |
| 5. Trust that Allah (SWT) will guide you towards what is best for you, whether it is the decision you had in mind or something else. |
When to Perform Istikharah?
Istikharah can be performed at any time, but it is recommended to perform it during the night, after performing the Isha prayer. This is because the night is a blessed time for prayer, and performing istikharah during this time may help you feel more connected to Allah (SWT) and better able to focus on your feelings and intentions.
FAQ About Istikharah
1. Can I perform istikharah for small decisions?
Yes, you can perform istikharah for any decision you need to make, no matter how big or small. Whether you are deciding what to wear, what to eat or where to go on vacation, you can use istikharah to help guide you towards the best decision.
2. Can I perform istikharah multiple times for the same decision?
Yes, you can perform istikharah as many times as you need to until you feel comfortable with the decision you have made. Istikharah is a way to seek guidance from Allah (SWT), and it is natural to feel unsure at first. Repeating the ritual can help you feel more connected to Allah (SWT) and better able to understand what is best for you.
3. Can I perform istikharah for someone else?
Yes, you can perform istikharah for someone else if they ask you to do so. However, it is important to remember that istikharah is a personal prayer, and the guidance you receive may not necessarily be the same as the guidance that person needs. It is important to encourage them to perform istikharah themselves, and to support them in whatever decision they make.
4. Will I see a sign after performing istikharah?
No, performing istikharah does not guarantee that you will see a sign or receive a specific answer to your question. Istikharah is a way to seek guidance from Allah (SWT), and the guidance you receive may come in many different forms, such as a feeling in your heart, a dream or a conversation with someone. Trust that Allah (SWT) will guide you towards what is best for you, even if it is not what you had in mind.
5. What should I do after performing istikharah?
After performing istikharah, it is important to trust that Allah (SWT) will guide you towards what is best for you. Even if the decision you make is not the one you had in mind, trust that it is the right decision for you. Remember that Allah (SWT) knows what is best for us, and that sometimes the things we want may not be good for us in the long run. Have faith in Allah (SWT) and trust that He will guide you towards what is best for you.
Kawan Mastah, I hope this article has helped you understand what istikharah is and how it can help guide you towards the best decision. Remember to perform istikharah whenever you are unsure about a decision you need to make, and trust that Allah (SWT) will guide you towards what is best for you.