Istikharah and Trusting Allah’s Plans

In life, humans often encounter difficult decisions, whether related to work, education, or romance.

One of the paths is the istikharah prayer, a sunnah prayer taught in Islam to seek guidance from Allah SWT. Its purpose is so that His servants do not walk alone in their uncertainty.

According to Asrizal Mustofa, Lc., M.A., a lecturer in Al-Quran and Tafsir Studies at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), istikharah means entrusting one’s life choices to Allah so that He shows what is best. “Istikharah prayer is a form of tawakkul, where we involve Allah in every decision,” explained Asrizal in an online interview on Friday (3/10/2025).

The foundation of the istikharah prayer is very strong. Asrizal explained that Allah SWT commands His servants to make prayer a source of help in facing difficulties and uncertainty. This is stated in Al Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah verse 153, which means:

"O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with those who are patient."

In addition to the above verse, there is also evidence that explains only Allah has the right to choose and determine everything. Therefore, a Muslim who feels uncertain should entrust the decision to Allah through istikharah prayer. This is reflected in Al Qur’an, Surah Al-Qasas verses 68–70:

Your Lord creates and chooses whatever He wills—the choice is not theirs. Glorified and Exalted is Allah above what they associate ˹with Him˺! And your Lord knows what their hearts conceal and what they reveal. He is Allah. There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him. All praise belongs to Him in this life and the next. All authority is His. And to Him you will ˹all˺ be returned.

The lecturer from the Faculty of Islamic Studies at UMS emphasized that the niyyah (intention) of istikharah prayer is sufficient to be made in the heart. There is no specific verbal declaration required.

"The intention for salat istikharah is simply for a Muslim to intend to perform two rak’ahs of prayer, then carry it out with full sincerity and focus," he explained.

The procedure for salat istikharah is the same as other sunnah prayers, namely two rak’ahs. After giving the final salam, it is recommended to recite the du’a of istikharah taught by the Prophet Muhammad SAW.

This du’a contains a plea for Allah SWT to guide toward the best choice, to grant blessings if it is good, and to turn it away if it is harmful.

اللَّهُمَّ إنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ العَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الغُيُوبِ. اللَّهُمَّ إنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي أَوْ قَالَ: فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي أَوْ قَالَ: فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي.

Meaning: "O Allah, I seek guidance from Your knowledge and seek ability from Your power, and I ask You from Your great bounty. For indeed, You are able while I am not, and You know while I do not, and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if this matter is good for me in my religion, my worldly life, and the outcome of my affairs, then decree it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. But if this matter is bad for me in my religion, my worldly life, and the outcome of my affairs, then turn it away from me and turn me away from it, and decree for me what is good wherever it may be, and make me content with it."

In this prayer, the devoted may mention specifically the matter for which guidance is being sought. “Such as things related to choosing a job, education, or a life partner,” added Asrizal.

When is the best time to perform Salat Istikharah? According to Asrizal, this prayer can be done at any time, day or night.

The timing is flexible as long as it is not during the prohibited periods for prayer, namely: after the fajr prayer until sunrise, and after the asr prayer until sunset.

Asrizal reminded that one should not rely solely on waiting for dreams or signs after performing salat istikharah. What truly matters is the peace of heart and readiness to accept Allah’s decision with an open heart.

Salat istikharah is a form of closeness between a muslim and Allah. This act of worship teaches us humility, surrender, and trust that Allah alone knows what is best.

Writer: Genis Dwi Gustati

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid

Editor: Al Habiib Josy Asheva