
He prays it for all matters, even things one would not imagine doing istikhara for. Shaykh Nuh Keller mentions that the more one prays the istikhara prayer, the clearer its answers become to one. When one is not clear about the result of the istikhara, the fuqaha mention that it is recommend to repeat it, up to 7 times if necessary (usually done on separate occasions).

One should suspend one’s own judgement or inclination about the particular matter, and wait for Allah to show one a sign or to make things happen in a way that indicates what to do. And if You know that this matter is not good for me with regard to my religion, my livelihood and the end of my affair then turn it away from me and me from it and decree for me better than it, wherever it may be, and make me content with it.” Looking for signs O Allah, if You know that this matter is good for me with regard to my religion, my livelihood and the end of my affair then decree it for me, facilitate it for me, and grant me blessing in it. For indeed You have power, and I am powerless You have knowledge and I know not You are the Knower of the unseen realms. “O Allah, verily I seek the better from You, by Your knowledge, and I seek ability from You, by Your power, and I ask You from Your immense bounty. Allâhumma in kunta ta’lamu anna hâdhal amra khayrun li fi dini wa ma-ashi wa aqibati amri faqdir-hu li wa yassir-hu li thumma barik li fihi wa in kunta ta’lamu anna hâdhal amra sharrun li fi dini wa maâshi wa aqibati amri fasrifhu anni wasrifni anhu waqdir liyal-khayra haythu kâna thumma ardini. It is disliked to ‘hasten’ in seeking the answer to one’s istikhara, like other duas, because the Prophet ﷺ said, “Your prayers are answered, unless you hasten, saying, ‘I prayed, but no answer came.’”.It is recommended to open the dua of istikhara, with praise of Allah and sending blessings on the Prophet ﷺ and to close it in this manner, too.Like other duas, it is recommended that one face the qibla.It is best to recite it before sleeping, though in no way necessary.One prays two rakats at any time that is not disliked, after which one recites the supplication of istikhara.And if you have a family member or friend who is struggling, you can share one of these prayers with them to send a little (or a lot of) strength their way.The istikhara prayer is a very simple prayer of seeking guidance. These prayers about strength will empower you so that you can make it through the hardest days. Of course, there is no "right way" on the path towards healing, but tuning in with your faith through prayer can offer a quiet sanctuary where you can find strength when you may be feeling your weakest.

But seeking guidance through faith is one avenue to explore that may also provide you with a sense of comfort and peace. Sometimes it can be easier to give in to the overwhelming swirl of thoughts and emotions that tend to arise when you are struggling in any situation. But God already knows that you are strong enough to take on any obstacle no matter the size or weight, and these prayers for strength will give you the courage you may need to remember just how resilient you are. These difficult times can impact your well-being in mental, emotional, and physical ways, and oftentimes make you feel too weak to face what life is throwing at you today. Hard days at work or at home can spring upon you without much warning.
