salaamz, can somebody pls explain the meaning of istekala? any gud website for reference? how to do it? after doing it how to know which way to choose if in problem,how will Allah show us the way out?
thanks
Asalaamu alaikum wr wb
Istikhara is a sort of seeking guidance from Allah SWT, when you are unable to decide about a lawful matter. Istikhara is not to be done for each and every thing because it was not intended for that purpose. Usually we should use our common sense and AQL/intellect and weigh things properly, to decide about them, However, for any reason or under any circumstances, if we are unable to make a decision, then we can seek the help of Allah SWT by doing Istikhara.
You usually pray 2 rakat Nafil and then make dua to Allah for what you want. Ulema say that you should do it upto 7 times on seperate occassions until you get a dream or an inclination towards the decision. Best time would be to do it at tahajjud time because that is the time when Allah readily accepts dua's but you can do it at any other time aswell.