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How to Perform Istikhara Prayer and Make Dua Related to Nikah: A Detailed Guide

Introduction

Istikhara is an Islamic practice where believers seek Allah’s guidance when faced with important decisions. It is especially significant in decisions related to Nikah (marriage). This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to perform Istikhara for Nikah, including Quranic and Hadith references that underline its importance.

Understanding Istikhara in the Context of Nikah

1. Quranic Reference:
The Quran emphasizes seeking guidance from Allah in all matters. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah says:

• Arabic: “لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا…”
• Translation: “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear…” (Quran 2:286)
  This verse assures that Allah provides guidance and ease in decisions if we seek His help sincerely.

2. Hadith Reference:
The practice of Istikhara for decision-making, including marriage, is well-documented in Hadith. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

• Arabic: “إذا همّ أحدكم بالأمر، فليصَلِّ ركعتين من غير الفريضة، ثم ليقل: اللهم إني استخيرك بعلمك واستقدرك بقدرتك…”
• Translation: “If any of you intends to undertake a task, let him perform two units of prayer other than the obligatory ones and then say: ‘O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge and by Your power I seek ability, and I ask You of Your immense favor.’” (Sahih Bukhari)

Steps to Perform Istikhara for Nikah

1. Preparation and Intention (Niyyah):

• Make an Intent: Begin by making a sincere intention to seek Allah’s guidance regarding your marriage decision. This intention should reflect your genuine desire to make the right choice. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized sincerity and intention in all acts of worship.
• Ensure Cleanliness: Perform Wudu (ablution) to purify yourself. As stated in Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:6), cleanliness is important in worship:
  • Arabic: “يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا قُمْتُمْ إِلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ فَاغْسِلُوا وُجُوهَكُمْ وَأَيْدِيَكُمْ إِلَى الْمَرَافِقِ…”
  • Translation: “O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] the prayer, wash your faces and your arms to the elbows…” (Quran 5:6)

1. Perform Two Units of Prayer (Raka’ahs):

• Begin the Prayer: Start by offering two voluntary units of prayer. This practice is supported by Hadith, where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed:
  • Arabic: “صَلِّ ركعتين من غير الفريضة”
  • Translation: “Pray two units of prayer other than the obligatory ones” (Sahih Bukhari)
• Recitation in Prayer:
  • In the first raka’ah, after reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, you can recite any Surah from the Quran, such as Surah Al-Ikhlas (112) or Surah Al-Kawthar (108).
  • In the second raka’ah, recite Surah Al-Fatiha followed by another Surah from the Quran.

1. Recite the Istikhara Dua:

• After Completing the Prayer: Recite the Istikhara dua. The dua for Istikhara is:
  • Arabic: “اللهم إني استخيرك بعلمك واستقدرك بقدرتك واسالك من فضلك العظيم”
  • Translation: “O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge and by Your power I seek ability, and I ask You of Your immense favor.”
• Add a Personal Request: You can also make a personal supplication for clarity regarding the marriage decision. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged asking Allah for guidance and clarity:
  • Arabic: “سَلُوا اللهَ من فضله”
  • Translation: “Ask Allah for His bounty” (Sahih Bukhari)

1. Be Patient and Observant:

• Trust in Allah’s Guidance: After performing Istikhara, have patience and trust that Allah will guide you. Allah promises that He will not let believers’ efforts go to waste:
  • Arabic: “وَاللَّهُ يَهْدِي مَنْ يَشَاءُ إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ”
  • Translation: “And Allah guides whom He wills to a straight path.” (Quran 24:46)
• Observe Signs and Feelings: Allah’s guidance may manifest as a sense of peace or discomfort regarding the decision. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
  • Arabic: “ما خاب من استخار”
  • Translation: “He who seeks guidance will not be disappointed” (Sunan Abu Dawood)

Sample Dua Related to Nikah

In addition to the Istikhara dua, you can include specific requests related to your marriage decision. Here’s a sample dua:

• Arabic: “اللهم إني أسالك أن ترزقني خير هذه الزوجة أو الزوج وتيسير زواجي بما فيه خير لي في ديني ودنياي وآخرتي، اللهم اجعلني وإياها من الصالحين والصالحات، ووفقنا لما تحب وترضى”
• Translation: “O Allah, I ask You to grant me the best of this spouse and facilitate my marriage in a way that is best for my religion, worldly life, and Hereafter. O Allah, make us both among the righteous and guide us to what You love and are pleased with.”

Conclusion

Istikhara is a powerful tool in Islam for seeking divine guidance in making important decisions, including Nikah. By performing Istikhara with sincerity, making heartfelt dua, and trusting in Allah’s wisdom, you align your decisions with divine guidance. The practice of Istikhara, supported by Quranic teachings and Hadith, helps you navigate the uncertainties of life with confidence and faith.