How to Perform Istikhara for marriage yourself
- Intention (Niyyah): Begin with a clear and sincere intention in your heart. Your intention should be focused on seeking Allah’s guidance regarding a potential marriage.
- Perform Wudu (Ablution): Ensure that you are in a state of physical purity by performing wudu (ablution).
- Recite Dua Istikhara: Recite the Istikhara dua, which is a specific prayer seeking Allah’s guidance. The dua is as follows:اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ وَاَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ وَاسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ ۖ فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ وَتَعْلَمُ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ ۚ اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَٰذَا الْأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي أَوْ قَالَ عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِTranslation: “O Allah, I seek Your guidance by virtue of Your knowledge, and I seek ability by virtue of Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. You have power, I have none. And You know, I know not. You are the Knower of hidden things. O Allah, if in Your knowledge, this matter (mention your need) is good for my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs, immediate and in the future, then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if in Your knowledge, this matter is bad for my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs, immediate and in the future, then turn it away from me, and turn me away from it. And ordain for me the good wherever it may be, and make me content with it.”
- Consult Your Heart: After reciting the dua, it is recommended to consult your heart. Pay attention to your feelings and any signs that may guide you in making a decision.
- Repeat as Needed: You can perform the Istikhara dua for several consecutive nights, seeking guidance and clarity. Continue to pray with patience and trust in Allah’s wisdom.
Remember that Istikhara is a means of seeking guidance, and the results may not always be immediate or evident. It’s essential to trust in Allah’s plan and be open to His guidance in making decisions. If you have specific concerns or need personalized guidance, consider consulting with a knowledgeable religious scholar or an Islamic spiritual guide.