Many Muslims ask about the ruling on performing Salat al-Istikhara for someone else, especially when a family member is uncertain about an important decision such as marriage or engagement.
The general principle is that the person facing the decision should perform Istikhara themselves, because the prayer is intended for a Muslim to ask Allah to guide them toward what is best in their own circumstances.
However, it is permissible for another person to perform Istikhara and make dua for them, asking Allah to grant them what is good and guide them toward the right decision.
Is It Permissible to Perform Istikhara for Someone Else?
Performing Istikhara for another person is permissible according to the view presented here, although the basic practice is for the person concerned to perform the prayer themselves.
If someone is considering an important matter such as marriage or engagement, it is preferable for them to perform Istikhara personally and ask Allah to choose what is best for them.
At the same time, a brother, sister, parent, or another relative may pray and make dua for them, seeking Allah's guidance and goodness on their behalf.
Is It Better for the Person to Perform Istikhara Themselves?
Yes. The basic principle is for the person facing the decision to perform Istikhara themselves because the matter directly concerns their circumstances and decision.
Others may nevertheless pray for them and ask Allah to guide them toward what is right and beneficial.
What Is Salat al-Istikhara?
Salat al-Istikhara is a voluntary prayer performed when a Muslim is uncertain about a permissible matter and wants to ask Allah to guide them toward what is best.
It consists of two voluntary units of prayer, followed by the supplication of Istikhara reported from the Prophet Muhammad.
Jabir ibn Abdullah reported that the Prophet used to teach his companions Istikhara for their affairs just as he taught them chapters of the Quran.
What Is the Istikhara Dua?
The prophetic supplication includes:
“O Allah, I seek the best choice from Your knowledge, and I seek ability from Your power, and I ask You from Your great bounty. For You are capable while I am not, You know while I do not, and You are the Knower of the unseen.”
The person then mentions the matter for which they are seeking guidance and asks Allah to make it easy and bless it if it is good, or turn it away if it is harmful, and decree goodness wherever it may be found.
Can Istikhara Be Performed for Someone Else Regarding Marriage?
Yes, it is permissible to perform Istikhara for another person regarding marriage or engagement, such as a sister praying for her brother or a parent praying for their child.
However, the basic practice remains for the person considering marriage to perform Istikhara themselves because the matter directly concerns their decision and circumstances.
Family members may also make dua for them, asking Allah to grant them what is best for their faith, worldly life, and future.
Can Istikhara Be Performed for Engagement?
Yes. A Muslim may seek Allah's guidance through Istikhara when considering marriage or engagement, asking Allah to facilitate the matter if it is good and turn it away if it is harmful.
What Is the Evidence for Istikhara for Someone Else?
There is no specific explicit text that directly settles every detail concerning performing Istikhara for another person. However, some scholars have permitted it based on general principles encouraging Muslims to benefit and help one another in matters of goodness.
Among the relevant teachings is the saying of the Prophet:
“Whoever among you is able to benefit his brother, let him benefit him.”
Accordingly, those who permit Istikhara for another person understand it as falling within helping others toward goodness and providing permissible benefit.
What Is the Difference Between Istikhara for Someone Else and Making Dua for Them?
Istikhara for another person means performing the two voluntary prayer units and asking Allah to choose what is best for that person.
Making dua for another person is broader and does not require prayer. A Muslim can simply ask Allah to grant their brother or sister guidance, success, and the right choice.
Both forms involve asking Allah for goodness and guidance for another person.
Can I perform Istikhara for my brother?
Yes. It is permissible, although the basic practice is for the person concerned to perform Istikhara themselves.
Can a woman perform Istikhara for her brother?
Yes. There is no problem with a woman performing Istikhara for her brother and asking Allah to grant him what is best.
Can Istikhara be performed for marriage?
Yes. A Muslim may perform Istikhara when uncertain about marriage, engagement, or other permissible matters.
How many rakahs are in Istikhara?
Istikhara consists of two voluntary rakahs followed by the Istikhara supplication.
Can I make dua for someone else after Istikhara?
Yes. A Muslim may pray for another person and ask Allah to grant them goodness, guidance, and success.
