DUA'A 8 — Istekhara from the Holy Quran

Method

1. Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas (Qul huwa-llahu ahad) 3 times
2. Recite Salawat (Allahumma salli ala Muhammad wa ali Muhammad) 3 times
3. Recite the following dua with full presence of heart:

Arabic

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي تَفَاءَلْتُ بِكِتَابِكَ، وَتَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَيْكَ، فَأَرِنِي مِنْ كِتَابِكَ مَا هُوَ مَكْتُوبٌ مِنْ سِرِّكَ الْمَكْنُونِ فِي غَيْبِكَ.

Transliteration

Allāhumma innī tafā'altu bi-kitābika, wa tawakkaltu ʿalayka, fa-arinī min kitābika mā huwa maktūbun min sirrika al-maknūni fī ghaybik.

Translation

O Allah, I seek a good omen through Your Book, and I place my trust in You — so show me from Your Book what is written from Your hidden secret in Your unseen knowledge.

After the Dua

Open the Quran to any page without looking. Read the first complete verse on that page. The meaning of the verse is taken as the indication — those who are learned in Quranic interpretation can assist in understanding its guidance.

Important Notes

• Istekhara should be performed with sincerity and an open heart — free from a prior conclusion.
• It is not a substitute for rational deliberation and consultation (mashwara).
• If the matter is urgent and you cannot perform Istekhara, rely on prayer and tawakkul.