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Is it permissible to perform Salatul-Istikhara with a general intention to seek guidance in life (professional and social) without a specific reason, and what is the wording of the supplication if it is permissible?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Istikhara is legislated when embarking upon a specific matter, whether doing it or refraining from it, based on the saying of the Prophet, peace be upon him: "If any of you intends to do a matter." Istikhara cannot be conceived without a specific reason, such as embarking on a matter or refraining from it. To remedy wasted time, fear Allah, turn to Him, obey His commands, avoid His prohibitions, and frequently supplicate to Allah to guide you to uprightness and correctness. Among the reported supplications is: "O Allah, I ask You for steadfastness in the matter, and determination in guidance, and I ask You for gratitude for Your blessing, and excellent worship, and I ask You for the best of what You know, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of what You know, and I seek Your forgiveness for what You know, for indeed You are the Knower of the unseen." Seek righteous companionship and busy yourself with what benefits you in your religion and worldly life. There is no harm in performing Salatul Hajah (Prayer of Need).

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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