How to pray istikhara for marriage, step by step
Istikhara is the prayer for seeking guidance from Allah when you are deciding between options, including a marriage proposal. This step-by-step guide explains how it is prayed and what to do afterwards. For a wider overview, see our istikhara for marriage guide.
Step 1: Do your own research first
Istikhara does not replace effort. Learn about the person, speak to family, ask questions and consider consultation (shura) with people you trust. Then pray istikhara about the decision.
Step 2: Pray two rak'ah
Make wudu and pray two voluntary rak'ah (not at a time when prayer is forbidden). Many people recite Surah al-Kafirun and al-Ikhlas, but there is no required recitation.
Step 3: Recite the dua
After the prayer, praise Allah, send salawat on the Prophet ﷺ and recite the dua of istikhara reported in Sahih al-Bukhari. It begins:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ
Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi 'ilmika wa astaqdiruka bi qudratika wa as'aluka min fadlikal-'azim
O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge, I seek ability through Your power, and I ask You from Your immense bounty.
Sahih al-Bukhari
The dua continues by asking that if the matter is good for your religion, your life and its outcome, Allah decree it and make it easy for you and bless it; and if it is bad, turn it away from you and decree for you the good wherever it is. At the point of the matter, mention it by name or in your heart. You can read the full text in a trusted source and ask a teacher to help with pronunciation.
Step 4: Act, and watch for ease
Do not wait for a dream or a vision. Most scholars say the answer comes as inclination of the heart and the opening or closing of doors: matters becoming easier or harder. If the way is easy and your heart is at peace, proceed with trust. If doors keep closing, accept this as Allah's protection.
Common myths
- You must see a dream. Not required.
- It has a number of days. There is no fixed count in the authentic reports; you can repeat it if you are still unsure.
- Someone else must do it for you. It is a personal prayer. You can ask others to make dua for you but should pray it yourself.
- You cannot pray it during your period. A woman on her period cannot pray, but she can recite the dua of istikhara, as scholars permit.
- It decides for you. It guides you, but you must still use your judgment.
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Frequently asked questions
Is istikhara compulsory for marriage?
No. It is recommended when you are unsure about a decision, but it is not an obligation.
How do I know the result of istikhara?
Look for ease or difficulty, and the leaning of your heart, alongside advice from trusted people. A dream is not required.
How many times should I pray it?
There is no required number. Repeat it if you remain unsure, and keep consulting people.
Can I pray istikhara in English?
Scholars permit making the dua in your own language if you cannot recite the Arabic, though learning the Arabic is encouraged.
Keep reading
More reading: istikhara for marriage, balancing deen and dunya and questions to ask before nikah.