The Difference Between Correct Istikhara and Misunderstood Istikhara

Istikhara is a legitimate Islamic practice where a Muslim seeks guidance from Allah when facing uncertainty or making an important decision. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught his companions how to perform Salat al-Istikhara (the Prayer of Guidance) through authentic hadiths, providing a clear and accepted method for Muslims to ask for Allah’s help. However, many misconceptions and incorrect forms of Istikhara have emerged over time. This article highlights the differences between correct Istikhara and these misguided practices.

Correct Istikhara According to the Sunnah

The correct way to perform Istikhara is rooted in the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ, and the process is simple, focusing on sincerity and prayer without the need for external signs or rituals. Here’s how it is performed:

1. Performing Two Rak’ahs: A Muslim begins by praying two units of non-obligatory prayer (rak’ahs), intending to seek Allah’s guidance. These two rak’ahs are performed just like any other voluntary prayer.
2. Reciting the Istikhara Dua: After the prayer, the individual recites the Dua of Istikhara:

“O Allah, I seek Your guidance in making a choice by Your knowledge, and I seek ability by Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. For You are able, while I am not. You know, while I do not, and You are the Knower of the unseen…” (part of the dua).

3. Trusting in Allah’s Guidance: The essence of Istikhara lies in placing full trust in Allah’s wisdom and knowing that He will guide you to the best decision. This guidance may come through a sense of ease, clarity in the situation, or even through events that unfold after making the dua.
4. No Expectation of Immediate Signs or Dreams: Correct Istikhara doesn’t involve waiting for dreams or supernatural signs. The answer may come gradually, through feelings of contentment or the unfolding of events in a manner that eases the decision.

Misunderstood and Incorrect Forms of Istikhara

Despite the simplicity of the method taught by the Prophet ﷺ, several incorrect forms of Istikhara have spread due to cultural practices, superstition, and misunderstanding. These forms often stray from the Sunnah and create confusion. Here are some common misconceptions:

1. Using the Quran Randomly: Some people believe that Istikhara involves randomly opening the Quran and interpreting the verse they land on as an answer. This practice has no basis in Islamic teachings and can lead to incorrect conclusions. The Quran is a source of guidance for all matters of life but should not be used as a tool for seeking immediate answers through random selection.
2. Expecting a Dream or a Specific Sign: A widespread misconception about Istikhara is that Allah’s answer will come in the form of a dream or a clear sign. While Allah may guide someone through dreams in certain situations, this is not a condition for Istikhara. Believing that a dream or a specific sign is required can lead to confusion and undue anxiety, especially if no such dream occurs.
3. Requesting Someone Else to Perform Istikhara: Another misguided practice is the belief that a sheikh or another person can perform Istikhara on your behalf. Some people go so far as to believe that for someone else to make Istikhara for them, the person performing the prayer must know the mother’s name. This practice is baseless and has no foundation in Islam. While it is permissible to ask for general du’as (supplications) from others, Istikhara is a personal prayer and should be performed by the individual seeking guidance. Asking for someone’s mother’s name for this purpose resembles superstitions rather than Islamic practice.
4. Using Objects or Rituals: In some cultural practices, people use objects like beads, papers with options written on them, or even coins to “decide” what to do after performing Istikhara. This method resembles divination and has no place in Islamic teachings. Istikhara should solely involve sincere prayer and reliance on Allah, not material objects or chance-based methods.

The Correct Understanding of Istikhara

Istikhara, as taught by the Prophet ﷺ, is a simple yet powerful act of worship. It involves turning to Allah in prayer and trusting His guidance in any decision-making process. The mistaken practices of using the Quran randomly, seeking specific signs or dreams, and having someone else perform Istikhara based on your mother’s name are all deviations from the true purpose of Istikhara. These practices create confusion and are not supported by Islamic teachings.

The correct approach to Istikhara involves praying, reciting the prescribed dua, and leaving the matter in the hands of Allah, trusting that He will guide you to the best outcome. Whether the answer comes through clarity, a sense of ease, or life circumstances, the key is to have patience and reliance on Allah’s wisdom.

By avoiding these misunderstood forms of Istikhara, Muslims can return to the true essence of this beautiful act of worship and benefit from the clear guidance it offers.