How to know the answer to Istikharah prayer

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Istikharah prayer is an act of worship performed by Muslims when faced with a decision and seeking guidance. However, a common question is how to know that Allah has answered the prayer.

According to About Islam, answers do not always come through dreams. Guidance often manifests in subtler ways: after performing the prayer, Muslims should make their best decision and feel assured that what transpires is for the best. They may also seek advice from trusted individuals.

Further guidance may come through inner feelings, as the relationship with God deeply involves the heart, soul, and mind. The sought-after signs or answers are often felt within the heart, particularly during dreams.

Scholars acknowledge the significance of dreams as a conduit for divine inspiration to humans. In fact, revelation to prophets and messengers also came through dreams.

When asleep, the entire body is beyond conscious control, completely under Allah’s command.

Therefore, Muslims must strive to purify their inner state to better interpret and receive Allah’s guidance. Generally, the closer one’s relationship with Allah, the easier it is to recognise His signs and understand His guidance.

So, how is Istikharah prayer performed? The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) stated that the best way to seek guidance is to pray two rak’ahs, followed by the supplication, which can be broadly translated as:

“O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge, and I seek Your ability through Your power, and I ask for Your great bounty. For You are able and I am not; You know and I do not; and You are the Knower of the unseen.”