Salat al-Istikhara (Guidance Prayer)

Salat al-Istikhara (Arabic: صلاة الاستخارة) is a prayer where the believer asks Allah for guidance (khayr) to make the right decision in a matter where they are in doubt. The word "istikhara" comes from "khayr" (good) and means "to ask for the best."

In Shia Islam, there are several forms of istikhara: (1) Salat al-Istikhara — two rak'ah prayer followed by a du'a, where one asks Allah to guide them toward the best decision. (2) Istikhara with the Quran — one opens the Quran randomly after du'a and seeks guidance in the verse found. (3) Istikhara with tasbih beads — a specific method of counting beads after du'a. (4) Istikhara through a marja' or scholar.

Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: "The one who performs istikhara with sincerity will not regret" (Wasail al-Shia, vol. 8). And he said: "Pray two rak'ah, make istikhara to Allah a hundred times, and then take the decision that falls in your heart" (Al-Kafi, vol. 3). It is important to emphasize that istikhara is not an alternative to rational deliberation — one should first think carefully about the matter, consult knowledgeable people, and then — if still in doubt — perform istikhara.

The istikhara du'a in Shia tradition is: "Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi 'ilmika wa astaqdiruka bi qudratika wa as'aluka min fadlika al-'azim..." (O Allah, I seek guidance from You with Your knowledge, and I seek ability from You with Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty...). Istikhara is a beautiful expression of tawakkul (trust in Allah) and the recognition that Allah's knowledge is perfect, while ours is limited.