When life puts us in front of decisions, big or small, our hearts often swing between fear and hope. Should I take this job offer? Should I move to another city? Is this marriage proposal right for me? For Muslims, one of the most beautiful gifts from Allah is the guidance of Salat al-Istikhara—a prayer that seeks clarity when we feel uncertain. And while many of us know the Istikhara dua in Arabic, countless Muslims in the West—whether living in the US, UK, Canada, or Australia—long to understand it clearly in English. That is why learning the Istikhara Dua in English has become so important today.
Istikhara full Dua in English with Translation and Transliteration
Arabic
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ العَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الغُيُوبِ. اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ 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.
English Transliteration:
Allahumma inni astakheeruka bi’ilmika, wa astaqdiruka biqudratika, wa as’aluka min fadlika al-‘azeem, fa’innaka taqdiru wala aqdir, wa ta’lamu wala a’lamu, wa anta ‘allamul-ghuyoob. Allahumma in kunta ta’lamu anna haadhal-amra khayrun li fi deeni wa ma’aashi wa ‘aaqibati amri – aw qaala: ‘aajili amri wa aajilihi – faqdurhu li wa yassirhu li thumma baarik li fihi. Wa in kunta ta’lamu anna haadhal-amra sharrun li fi deeni wa ma’aashi wa ‘aaqibati amri – aw qaala: fi ‘aajili amri wa aajilihi – fasrifhu ‘anni wasrifni ‘anhu, waqdur li al-khayra haythu kaana thumma ardini bihi.
English Translation:
“O Allah, I seek Your guidance [in making a choice] by virtue of Your knowledge, and I seek ability by virtue of Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. For You have power and I do not, and You know and I do not, and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know this matter is good for me in my religion, my life, and my end, then decree it for me, make it easy for me, and bless me in it. But if You know this matter is bad for me in my religion, my life, and my end, then turn it away from me, turn me away from it, and decree for me what is good, wherever it may be, and make me content with it.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, 1166)
When you reach the words “this matter”, you should mention your specific concern (e.g., a job, marriage, moving to another city).
More information about Istikhara Dua in English
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself taught this dua to his companions with the same care as he taught a verse of the Qur’an. That’s why, It wasn’t just about saying words, but about putting your trust in Allah, the One who knows what we do not. For Muslims living in Western countries, where Arabic may not be their first language, having the Istikhara Dua in English makes it easier to connect to its meaning, recite it with sincerity, and feel closer to Allah’s guidance.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover what Istikhara is, why people search for the dua in English, the original Arabic text, its accurate translation, the step-by-step method of praying Istikhara, and common misconceptions people often have. By the end, you’ll not only know the dua by heart but also understand how to use it in your daily life whenever you need Allah’s help in making decisions. So, let’s begin with the basics.
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What is Istikhara?
The word Istikhara comes from the Arabic root “khair,” which means good. In simple terms, Istikhara means seeking the best from Allah. It is a sunnah prayer that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us, specifically to ask Allah to guide us toward what is best for us in this world and the Hereafter.
So, it is not a ritual of fortune-telling or dreaming about signs. Instead, Istikhara is about placing your trust in Allah and accepting that He knows what you don’t. When you pray Istikhara, you’re admitting: “Ya Allah, You see the bigger picture, so guide me toward what’s good and protect me from what’s harmful.”
Why People Search for Istikhara Dua in English
Many Muslims living in Western countries—whether they are students, professionals, or parents—struggle with Arabic. They want to perform Istikhara properly but worry about not understanding the meaning of the dua. Some people even fear that if they don’t say it in Arabic, it won’t count.
That’s why searches for “Istikhara Dua in English” have grown so much. People want the dua in English translation, along with a clear transliteration, so they can pronounce it properly and truly understand what they are asking from Allah. This makes the dua more heartfelt and meaningful.
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Step-by-Step Guide on How to Pray Istikhara
Make wudu (ablution).
Pray two rak’ahs (units of prayer) with the intention of Istikhara.
After completing the prayer, recite the Istikhara dua.
Mention the matter you are seeking guidance for.
Place your trust in Allah and move forward with peace of heart.
When & How Often to Pray Istikhara
You can pray Istikhara whenever you face a decision that matters in your life. Some people pray it once, while others repeat it for a few nights until they feel content. So, the key is sincerity and trust in Allah, not waiting for a dream or supernatural sign.
Common Misconceptions About Istikhara
It’s not about dreams. While some may have dreams, Istikhara isn’t about waiting for visions. It’s about clarity and ease in decision-making.
It doesn’t replace effort. You still need to research, consult others, and use your mind. Istikhara aligns your heart with what is best.
You don’t need a scholar to do it for you. Every Muslim can perform Istikhara themselves.
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Final Thoughts
Learning the Istikhara Dua in English is more than just memorizing words. It’s about understanding the meaning, reciting it with sincerity, and putting full trust in Allah’s wisdom. Whether you’re deciding about studies, career, or marriage, Istikhara connects your heart with Allah. Reminding you that no matter where you live—whether in New York, London, Sydney, or Toronto—Allah’s guidance is always within reach.
FAQs about Istikhara Dua in English
1. What is the dua for Istikhara in English?
The dua is a heartfelt supplication where you ask Allah to guide you toward what is best and keep you away from what is harmful. The full English translation is provided in this article.
2. Can I read Istikhara dua in English only?
Yes, if you struggle with Arabic, you can read it in English for understanding. However, it is highly recommended to learn and recite the Arabic version or at least the transliteration since that is how the Prophet ﷺ taught it.
3. How many times should I pray Istikhara?
There is no fixed number. You can pray it once, or you may repeat it over several nights until you feel at peace with your choice.
4. How do I know the result of Istikhara?
The answer to Istikhara isn’t always through dreams. Often, it comes through clarity of mind, ease in decision-making, or circumstances unfolding in a way that directs you toward or away from a choice.
5. Is there a shorter Istikhara dua?
No authentic shorter version of the dua exists.
6. Can I pray Istikhara without sleeping?
Yes, you do not need to sleep after Istikhara.
7. Can I pray Istikhara without wudu?
Since Istikhara involves praying two rak’ahs, you must be in a state of wudu.