Salat al-Istikhara is one of the great acts of worship in Islam that a Muslim performs when facing an important decision and seeking guidance from Allah Almighty. It is especially used when a person is uncertain about matters such as marriage, travel, work, or other major choices.

A question was submitted regarding the method of performing Istikhara prayer and the interpretation of a dream about the direction of the Qiblah, especially with the presence of problems that may affect a relationship between two people.

What Is Salat al-Istikhara and Why Is It Performed?

Istikhara means seeking the best choice from Allah. It is when a Muslim asks Allah Almighty to choose what is beneficial for his religion and worldly life, because Allah knows what humans do not know.

A person turns to Istikhara when he faces a matter whose consequences are unclear, asking Allah to make the good easy and protect him from what may bring harm.

How to Perform Salat al-Istikhara Step by Step

Salat al-Istikhara consists of two voluntary rak‘ahs that are not part of the obligatory prayers. The worshipper recites Al-Fatihah and whatever verses from the Quran are easy for him.

After completing the prayer, he recites the supplication of Istikhara reported from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through Jabir رضي الله عنه and narrated by Imam Al-Bukhari:

“O Allah, I seek the best from You by Your knowledge, and I seek ability from You by Your power, and I ask You from Your great bounty. For You have power while I have none, You know while I do not know, 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, 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, then turn it away from me and turn me away from it, and decree for me whatever is good wherever it may be, then make me content with it.”

The person then proceeds with the matter. If it is good for him, Allah will make it easy; and if it is harmful, Allah will turn it away from him.

Does Istikhara Require Seeing a Dream?

Many people believe that a dream must appear after Istikhara, but this is not a requirement.

The result of Istikhara is not necessarily a dream or a specific sign. Rather, it appears through Allah’s facilitation of the matter or preventing it from happening.

A Muslim should combine Istikhara with proper thinking, consultation, and taking the necessary steps.

Ruling on Interpreting Dreams About the Qiblah

Regarding dream interpretation, it requires knowledge and expertise, and no definite meaning can be assigned to every dream.

Therefore, a person should not base major decisions, such as marriage or continuing a relationship, only on a dream.

Seeing the Qiblah in a dream may be associated by some interpreters with guidance and righteousness, but the exact meaning cannot be confirmed without knowing all details of the dream and the person’s circumstances.

Istikhara When Facing Relationship Problems

If a person is considering marriage or deciding whether to continue a relationship, Istikhara can help him seek Allah’s guidance.

However, he should also evaluate the reality of the situation, including compatibility, character, commitment, and the ability to solve problems.

Islam encourages relationships to follow proper legal and moral guidelines, with marriage being the correct path for a serious relationship between a man and woman.

Trusting Allah After Istikhara

After performing Istikhara, a believer places his trust in Allah’s choice, knowing that Allah’s wisdom is greater than human understanding.

A matter that a person dislikes may contain goodness, while something he loves may not be beneficial for him.

Allah says:

“But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you do not know.”
(Quran 2:216)

What is Salat al-Istikhara?

It is a prayer through which a Muslim asks Allah to guide him toward what is best in an important matter.

How many rak‘ahs are in Istikhara prayer?

Istikhara consists of two voluntary rak‘ahs outside the obligatory prayers.

Is seeing a dream after Istikhara necessary?

No. Seeing a dream is not a condition of Istikhara. Guidance may appear through ease or prevention of the matter.

Can a person rely only on a dream when deciding about marriage?

No. Dreams should not be the only basis for major decisions. A person should consider reality, seek advice, and perform Istikhara.

When is the Istikhara dua recited?

The supplication is recited after completing the two rak‘ahs of Istikhara prayer.