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Istikhara Prayer
Istikhara Prayer
Salat al-Istikhara is a voluntary two-rak'ah prayer performed when seeking Allah's guidance on a permissible decision. This page focuses on the prayer itself: its religious ruling, its structure, and the timing rules that apply to it.
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Salat al-Istikhara, explained clearly
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Answer first
What is Salat al-Istikhara?
Salat al-Istikhara is a voluntary (nafl) prayer of two rak’ahs, prayed before reciting the Istikhara dua, when a person is facing a permissible decision and wants to seek Allah’s guidance.
It follows the same physical structure as other two-rak’ah voluntary prayers in Islam. What sets it apart is the intention behind it, and the dua recited afterwards.
Ruling
The status of Istikhara prayer
Istikhara prayer is voluntary, not obligatory. It is strongly encouraged (recommended) when facing a genuine decision, based on the hadith in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught the prayer to his companions. It does not carry the same religious weight as the five daily obligatory prayers, and missing it is not treated the same as missing an obligatory prayer.
Structure
The structure of the prayer
- 01
First rak’ah
Begin with the opening intention for a voluntary two-rak’ah prayer, recite Surah al-Fatiha, followed by a surah of your choice.
- 02
Second rak’ah
Recite Surah al-Fatiha again, followed by another surah of your choice, then complete the prayer as normal with the final sitting and salam.
- 03
After the salam
Recite the Istikhara dua, mentioning your specific decision where the dua refers to “this matter”.
Recitation
What to recite
No mandated surah
The hadith describing Istikhara does not specify particular surahs beyond Surah al-Fatiha, which is required in every rak'ah of any prayer.
A common practice
Some people follow the general custom for two-rak'ah voluntary prayers of reciting Surah al-Kafirun in the first rak'ah and Surah al-Ikhlas in the second.
Recite what you know
Reciting any surah you are comfortable and familiar with is entirely sufficient.
Timing
When you can and cannot pray it
Generally permitted
Most times of day and night outside the restricted windows below, including before sleeping, which many people find convenient.
Times to avoid
As with other voluntary prayers, avoid praying at sunrise, when the sun is at its zenith around midday, and at sunset, consistent with the general rules for nafl prayer timing.
A note on naming
Salat al-Istikhara, Istikhara Namaz, Istikhara Salah
Different names for the same prayer.
You may see this prayer referred to as Salat al-Istikhara (Arabic), Istikhara Namaz (commonly used in South Asian languages), or simply the “two rak’ah Istikhara prayer”. These all refer to the same voluntary prayer described on this page.
Frequently asked questions
Istikhara prayer FAQs
Is the Istikhara prayer obligatory?
No. It is a voluntary (nafl) prayer, not one of the five daily obligatory prayers. It is highly recommended when facing a genuine, permissible decision, but leaving it does not carry the same weight as leaving an obligatory prayer.
How many rak’ahs is Istikhara prayer?
Two rak’ahs, following the general structure of voluntary prayer in Islam. It can be prayed on its own or, according to some scholarly views, combined with the two rak’ahs of another voluntary prayer such as the two rak’ahs after wudu.
Can I combine Istikhara with another voluntary prayer, like Tahajjud?
Some scholars allow praying Istikhara within or alongside another voluntary prayer, such as the two rak’ahs of Tahajjud, with the intention covering both. If this matters to you, it is worth checking with a scholar you trust, since views differ.
Can women pray Istikhara during menstruation?
As with the five daily prayers, the physical prayer is not performed during menstruation. The Istikhara dua itself can still be recited as a supplication without the accompanying prayer during this time; a local scholar can advise further if needed.
What if I make a mistake during the prayer?
The same general rules that apply to correcting mistakes in any voluntary prayer apply here. A minor error does not usually require starting again; if you are unsure, treat it as you would any other nafl prayer.
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