How does one pray the Istikhārah prayer?

The Salatul-Istikhara (prayer for guidance) consists of two rak'ahs, not from the obligatory prayers. Then, the worshipper supplicates with the well-known du'a narrated from the Prophet, peace be upon him, mentioning his need when he says: "O Allah, if You know that this matter..."

Istikhara is recommended for permissible matters and should not be performed for something obligatory, recommended, forbidden, or disliked. The two rak'ahs of Istikhara can be independent or part of other supererogatory prayers, but they should not be performed during disliked times unless necessary. The supplication is made after the prayer, and it is permissible to say it either before or after the tasleem (salutation of peace). Many verses and hadiths have been narrated emphasizing the virtue and importance of du'a (supplication).