Time is a special blessing given by Allah. And among these blessings, another benefit is to select the Best Time to Pray, Istikhara.
Because time is significant for every work, those who can do the right thing at the right time are the ones who succeed at the end of the day. Performing the Istikhara prayer correctly at the right time plays a significant role in good results.
But what is the -” best time to pray Istekhara”? Because of not knowing the answer to this question, many brothers and sisters cannot pray this prayer at the right time. We were discussing the said topic today so that it will be beneficial for all.
Importance of Timing in Istikhara
Timing is crucial when it comes to performing the Istikhara prayer. The right time can help the person receive a clear and accurate answer from Allah.
Completing Istikhara at the wrong time can result in a vague or unclear answer, making it difficult for the person to make the right decision.
Allah TTa’alacreated the moon and the sun to count time.
The Qur’an describes, ‘IQur’ane who has made the sun bright and the moon shining and fixed their destination, so that you may know the number of years and the reckoning of time.
Allah did not create these in vain. He explains these signs in detail for the people of knowledge.’ (Sura: 10 Yunus, ‘erse: 5).
Why timing is essential for Istikhara prayer
Allah Subhanahu Ta’ala has divided Ta’ala hours into special periods. Then he ordered different prayers at different times. Such as Fajr, Zohr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha.
These five daily prayers have to be performed at specific times in a particular manner. In addition, at other times, the servant can perform Nafal prayers. Such as the Tahajjud prayer, Salatut Doha, Istikhara prayer, etc.
Best Time to Pray Istikhara
The best time to pray in Istikhara is in the last part of the night, before sunrise. This time is considered particularly conducive to receiving guidance from Allah.
Performing Istikhara in the final third of the night is recommended, as this is when Allah descends to the lower heavens and is closest to His creation.
In a hadith about this, the Messenger of Allah, may God bless him and grant him peace, said:
يَنْزلُ رَبُّنَا تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا حِينَ يَبْقَى ثُلُثُ اللَّيلِ الْاخِرُ يَقُولُ مَنْ يَدْعُونِي فَأَسْتَجِيبَ لَهُ? مَنْ يَسْأَلُنِي فَأُعْطِيَهُ? مَنْ يَسْتَغْفِرُ فَأَغْفِر لَهُ
Translation: In the last third of every night, our glorious, blessed Lord descends in the sky and says, ‘I will answer the call of him who calls me.
I will give it to anyone who asks me for anything. Whoever asks for forgiveness from me, I will forgive him.’ (Bukhari, Muslim)
Advantages Praying Istikhara at the Right Time
Praying Istikhara at the right time can bring many benefits. It can increase the chances of receiving a clear and accurate answer from Allah, making it easier for the person to make the right decision.
It can also help build a stronger connection with Allah as the person seeks His guidance and help.
But it is good to know that it is not sure that only the Istikhara prayer should be offered on the last night. Istikhara prayer can be submitted at any other time.
We said that the last night was the best time to pray Istikhara. Istikhara prayer can be offered at any time of the day except this time.
Be it morning or afternoon or before going to bed. Most people pray to Istikhara before going to sleep. It is also an excellent time to offer the Istikhara prayer.
Differences between Daytime and Nighttime Istikhara
There is a difference between praying Istikhara during the day and at night. During the day, the person may be distracted by work and other responsibilities,
making it more challenging to concentrate and receive guidance from Allah. At night, the mind is more relaxed, and the person is more likely to receive a clear answer.
That is why most people perform the Istikhara prayer at night. In the first verses of Surah Muzammil in the Holy Qur’an, Allah Ta’ala commanded RQur’anlah – saTa’alaahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam – to pray more’Nafl prayers at night.
Rasulullah – sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam – used to pray Nafal more and more at night. And encouraged his Ummah to pray more at night. So we should perform the Istikhara prayer at night.
At what time is Istikhara prayer prohibited?
There are three specific times in 24 hours during which the Istikhara prayer is expressly prohibited in the hadith.
The first time is sunrise. It can be 8 to 10 minutes, depending on each area. The second is when the sun is in the middle of the sky. The other is at sunset.
Apart from these three times, the Istikhara prayer can be offered at any other time, but the Best Time to Pray Istikhara is at night.
Factors Affecting the Accuracy of Istikhara Results
Several factors can affect the accuracy of Istikhara results, including the time of day, the person’s state of mind, and their level of faith.
It is essential to perform Istikhara at the right time and with a sincere heart, as this will increase the chances of receiving a clear and accurate answer from Allah.
How to Determine the Best Time to pray Istikhara in Your Region
The best time to perform Istikhara will vary depending on where you live and the local time zone.
To determine the best time in your region, you can consult with a local Imam or knowledgeable person or look up the prayer timings for your location online.
In conclusion, timing is essential when performing the Istikhara prayer. The best time to perform Istikhara is in the last part of the night, before sunrise, or in the final third of the night.
By performing Istikhara at the right time, the person can increase their chances of receiving a clear and accurate answer from Allah and make the right decision for their life.