Most-asked question

How is salaatul istikhaarah performed?

238 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 6 South African Darul Iftas (Ask Imaam, Mufti Online, Ibn Masood, Azaadville, Miftahul Falaah, Jamiat KZN). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

What the Darul Iftas say

“Istikhaarah actually refers to ‘seeking of good’ which is in reality a Dua. Therefore, the Ulama have written that just as one may request another person to make Dua on one’s behalf, particularly when he is a pious person and there is hope of his Dua being accepted, similarly, one may request another person to make Istikhaarah …”

Ibn Masood — Istikhaarah for another person · 18 Nov 2021

“First and foremost, the reality of Istikharah is to seek goodness and guidance from Allah Ta’aala in Mubaah acts (where one is not commanded nor prohibited and one can choose to act or refrain from acting). A famous statement reads, the one who makes Istikharah will not face failures and disappointments.”

Azaadville — Doubt After Istikhaarah · 7 Apr 2026

“In principle, it is permissible to perform Istikharah for another person as it falls under supplication for others. When performing Istikhara for others the following should be kept in mind.”

Ask Imaam — Is it okay to pray istikhara on behalf of someone else? · 25 Oct 2023

“They may read the Dua for Istikhaarah without performing the salaah. Alternatively, they may read the following Dua: When any decision needed to be taken urgently, Rasulullaah ﷺ recited the following Du’aa:”

Miftahul Falaah — Istikhaarah while in Haydh · 1 Jul 2024

Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.

Read the fatawa

  1. Method Of IstikhaarahIbn Masood · 15 Jun 2026
  2. Istikharah For MarriageAzaadville · 6 Jun 2026
  3. What are the conditions for praying Istikhara Salah? What should I expect afterward?Ask Imaam · 13 Oct 2025
  4. Istikhaarah while in HaydhMiftahul Falaah · 1 Jul 2024
  5. Istikhaarah duaMufti Online · 27 Jan 2024
  6. Repetition of IstikharahJamiat KZN · 25 Jun 2010
  7. Method Of IstikhaarahIbn Masood · 17 Oct 2025
  8. Doubt After IstikhaarahAzaadville · 7 Apr 2026
  9. What is preferable, performing Istikharah or doing Mashwarah?Ask Imaam · 21 Jan 2025
  10. Making istikhaara for all affairsMufti Online · 30 Sep 2023
  11. Istikhaarah Prior To A ProposalIbn Masood · 13 Aug 2025
  12. Acting Contrary To A Response After IstikhaarahAzaadville · 15 Aug 2022
  13. Is it okay to pray istikhara on behalf of someone else?Ask Imaam · 25 Oct 2023
  14. Consulting with elders after making istikharaMufti Online · 12 Sep 2023
  15. Istikhaarah for another personIbn Masood · 18 Nov 2021

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