As-Salami: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to teach his companions to perform the prayer of Istikhara for each
and every matter just as he used to teach them the Suras from the Qur'an He used to say, "If anyone of
you intends to do some thing, he should offer a two rak`at prayer other than the compulsory prayers,
and after finishing it, he should say: O Allah! I consult You, for You have all knowledge, and appeal
to You to support me with Your Power and ask for Your Bounty, for You are able to do things while I
am not, and You know while I do not; and You are the Knower of the Unseen. O Allah If You know It
this matter (name your matter) is good for me both at present and in the future, (or in my religion), in
my this life and in the Hereafter, then fulfill it for me and make it easy for me, and then bestow Your
Blessings on me in that matter. O Allah! If You know that this matter is not good for me in my
religion, in my this life and in my coming Hereafter (or at present or in the future), then divert me
from it and choose for me what is good wherever it may be, and make me be pleased with it." (See
Hadith No. 391, Vol. 8)
Narrated by Narrated Jabir bin `Abdullah:
Context
This hadith describes the practice of Istikhara, a prayer for seeking guidance from Allah in making decisions. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught his companions to perform this prayer in all matters, indicating its significance in seeking divine wisdom. The supplicant is encouraged to express their intentions and seek Allah's guidance, emphasizing reliance on divine knowledge over personal judgment.
Modern Application
In contemporary life, many people face decisions that require careful consideration. Performing Istikhara can provide clarity and peace of mind, helping individuals navigate choices in personal, professional, or spiritual matters by seeking divine guidance.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Supplication because it emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's guidance through prayer in all aspects of life.
O you who have believed, when you [wish to] privately consult the Messenger, present before your consultation a charity. That is better for you and purer. But if you find not [the means] - then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muhammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur'an. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
And when you have completed the prayer, remember Allah standing, sitting, or [lying] on your sides. But when you become secure, re-establish [regular] prayer. Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.
So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].
And establish prayer and give zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah of what you do, is Seeing.
This hadith is #7108 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Jabir bin `Abdullah:.