What is Istikhara?
The word Istikhara comes from khayr — goodness. It means asking Allah to guide you to the better of two paths. The Prophet ﷺ taught his companions this prayer “as he would teach them a surah of the Quran” (Sahih al-Bukhari), which tells us how important it is in the life of a believer.
Istikhara is not fortune telling and it does not replace effort or consultation. It is a sincere request: “O Allah, if this is good for me, make it easy; if it is not, turn it away from me and turn me away from it.”
How an online Istikhara works
Many people prefer that a practising, experienced person performs Istikhara for them, especially when emotions make it hard to read the signs clearly. When you request an Istikhara we ask for only what is needed:
- Your name and your mother’s name (and the same for the other person, for marriage matters).
- A short, clear description of the decision you are facing.
- Any deadline, so we can let you know when to expect a reply.
After the Istikhara
We explain the outcome in plain words — whether the matter appears favourable, unfavourable or needs patience — together with practical advice, relevant duas and, where helpful, wazaif to recite. The final decision always remains yours; Istikhara brings clarity and calm, not compulsion.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone else perform Istikhara for me?
The Sunnah is to pray Istikhara yourself, and we always encourage that. Scholars also allow asking a pious person to make dua and Istikhara on your behalf, which is what many families choose when they are anxious or unsure how to interpret the outcome.
How long does it take to get the result?
Most Istikhara requests are answered within one to three days. If your matter is urgent, mention it in your message and we will tell you honestly what is possible.
Do I need to see a dream for the Istikhara to work?
No. A dream is not a condition. Guidance often appears as ease or difficulty in the matter, peace or unease in the heart, and the way events unfold afterwards.