Istikhara

The prayer for divine guidance in a decision; sometimes, but not necessarily, followed by a clarifying dream.

Istikhara literally means: asking for what is good. It is a prayer of two rak'ahs, followed by a supplication that according to tradition the Prophet taught his companions for every decision, large or small. The supplication asks God to make the choice easy if it is good for your faith, your life and your future, and to turn it away if it is not.

Many people think istikhara is always followed by a dream that gives the answer. That is a widespread misunderstanding. Classical scholars explain that the answer usually comes in the course of events: the way becomes easier, or obstacles arise. Sometimes a dream follows, and sometimes the heart finds peace with a choice, but neither is a condition.

Someone who dreams after istikhara weighs that dream like any dream in tabir. A clear, calm dream that stays with you can give confirmation. A confused or anxious dream is not automatically a no; it can just as well come from the tension of the decision itself. Scholars therefore advise not to take a dream after istikhara as the only proof, and to ask advice from people with knowledge and experience as well. That is called istishara, consultation.

Istikhara can be prayed at any time, except at the times when voluntary prayer is discouraged. Many people pray it in the evening before sleep, because there is more quiet then. It may be repeated if the choice does not become clear.

On Dreamkin we never advise building a decision on a dream alone. Istikhara is precisely the tradition's answer to that question: the dream does not decide, but trust in God, combined with your own judgement and good advice.