Whenever a person is faced with a difficult problem, or becomes hesitant in making a decision and his knowledge of the matter

is insufficient to guide him then after seeking advice from trusted friends he should turn to Allah and beseech His grace. He should willingly and with an open heart and mind supplicate for divine guidance and ask for direction so that the problem is solved in his own best interest. The Du'aa at such an occasion is called Istikhaarah.

Jabir Ibn Abdullah (r) said: The Prophet (saw) used to teach us to seek Allahs (swt) counsel in all matters, as he used to teach us a surah from the Quran. He would say: When anyone of you has an important matter to decide, let him pray two rakaahs other than the obligatory prayer, and then say:

O Allah! I seek the counsel of Your knowledge And I seek the help of Your supremacy And I implore You for Your magnificent grace Surely You are capable and Im not

You know and I do not

And You are the knower of the unseen

O Allah if You know than this matter.

Mention the matter

Is beneficial for me in my religion and in my life and for my welfare in the life to come

Ordain it for me and make it easy for me. Then bless me in it.

And if You know that this matter

Is detrimental for me in my religion and in my life and for my welfare in the life to come

Distance it from me and me from it

And ordain for me what is beneficial wherever it may be, and help me to be content with it.