What is Istikhara? Meaning, Method & Purpose in Islam

What is Istikhara

Istikhara (استخارة) is a sunnah prayer that Muslims perform to seek guidance from Allah ﷻ when uncertain about a choice. The word comes from the Arabic root khayr (خير), meaning “goodness” or “what is best.” The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this practice in authentic narrations recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, advising believers to