Istikhara - The Prayer for Decisions, Step by Step
Istikhara seeks Allah’s choice before marriage, jobs, travel and every big decision: two rakahs, the famous dua, then consultation and a settled heart - no dreams required.
Also searched as: istikhara ka tarika | how to do istikhara | istikhara dua method | istikhara for marriage | khwab istikhara
How to
Steps in order
- 1Research the matter and consult experienced, righteous people first.
- 2Pray two voluntary rakahs with presence of heart.
- 3Recite the istikhara dua slowly, naming your matter at “hadhal-amr”.
- 4Move toward the settled direction; repeat nightly for big decisions.
The method
Pray two voluntary rakahs (any surahs; Al-Kafirun then Al-Ikhlas is recommended), then recite the istikhara dua with full attention - naming your matter at “hadhal-amr” - raising your hands. The dua’s Arabic, transliteration and meaning are on our dua pages.
Afterward consult trustworthy people, research the matter properly, and move toward what your heart settles on: istikhara is prayed effort plus dua, not dua instead of effort. Repeat on multiple nights for weighty decisions.
Dreams, feelings and myths
No dream is required - the answer comes as facilitation (doors open) or blockage (doors close), ease or unease in the heart after sincere dua and research. Green/white vs black/red dream colour charts have no basis; neither does “istikhara by another person on your behalf” as a substitute for your own.
Do not pray istikhara for obligations or prohibitions (no istikhara on whether to pray, fast, or take riba) - only for permissible matters with real choice. And never abandon a clearly good match or offer waiting for a “sign”.
Sources & review
Sahih al-Bukhari (istikhara dua and method taught like a surah of Quran)
Learn personal details from a qualified teacher; minor school differences exist.
Educational content — not a fatwa. See methodology and disclaimer.
Reviewed • 2026-01-01Our methodology
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Must I see a dream after istikhara?
No - dreams are not required. Look for facilitation or blockage and a settled heart after dua, research and consultation.
Can someone do istikhara for me?
Your own two rakahs and dua are the sunnah. Others may make general dua for you, but commissioned “istikhara services” have no basis.
How many times should I repeat it?
As many nights as the decision weighs - the Prophet ﷺ advised repeating; persistence, not one-shot ritual, is the way.
Duas
Related duas
Learn