Dua for Istikhara
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ
Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi'ilmika, Wa astaqdiruka bi-qudratika, Wa as'alaka min fadlika Al-'azheem.
"O Allah, I seek Your counsel by Your knowledge and I seek Your assistance by Your power, and I ask You from Your immense favor."
Sahih Al-Bukhari 1162
Spiritual Benefits
Istikhara means to seek the good from Allah. When faced with a major life decision (marriage, career, travel), this dua delegates the outcome to Allah's infinite wisdom, protecting you from making a choice that may harm your faith or worldly life.
When Should I Say This Dua?
It should be recited immediately after performing a two-rakat voluntary (Nafl) prayer specifically intended for Istikhara.
Proper Etiquette (Sunnah)
Do not expect a dream or a magical sign. Make the dua, make a logical decision, and trust that if the path is closed, it is Allah answering your Istikhara by keeping you away from harm.