What is istikhara?

Istikhara is a form of prayer in Islam that is performed to seek guidance from Allah when making an important decision or facing a difficult situation. It is a way for Muslims to seek Allah's help and wisdom in making the best choice for themselves.

The word "istikhara" translates to "seeking goodness" or "seeking guidance" in Arabic. The prayer involves reciting specific verses from the Quran and making a supplication to Allah to help guide the individual in making the right decision.

Istikhara is usually performed before making a decision such as getting married, accepting a job offer, moving to a new place, or any other significant life choice. It is a way for Muslims to seek clarity and to feel confident that they are making the right decision with Allah's guidance.

After performing istikhara, it is believed that Allah will guide the individual in the right direction through signs, dreams, or a feeling of peace and contentment in their heart. Muslims believe that by seeking Allah's guidance through istikhara, they are following the teachings of Islam and putting their trust in Allah to help them make the best decision for their life.