Istikhara is a personal and spiritual practice in Islam that involves seeking guidance from Allah through prayer. It is typically performed by individuals themselves or by seeking guidance from religious scholars or imams.
To perform Istikhara, you can follow these general steps:
- Perform ablution (wudu) and offer two non-obligatory units of prayer.
- Recite the Istikhara prayer, which includes specific supplications.
- After completing the prayer, sincerely ask Allah for guidance and clarity regarding the matter you seek guidance for.
- Maintain a state of patience and attentiveness to any signs, dreams, or feelings that may occur after performing Istikhara.
- Use your own judgment and seek advice from knowledgeable individuals to make a decision based on the guidance received.
It’s important to note that Istikhara is a personal practice, and the results are not necessarily immediate or in the form of a specific outcome. It is meant to help individuals gain a sense of clarity and make decisions in accordance with Allah’s will. Ultimately, you should rely on your own understanding, seek advice from others, and trust in Allah’s guidance.