What is the correct wording for the Istikhara supplication (du'a), and should the need be mentioned in the middle of the supplication or at its end? What is the method for performing the Istikhara prayer, and what surahs should be recited in it? What is the best time to perform it, and is it legislated to recite the opening supplication (du'a al-istiftah) and the remembrances (adhkar) of bowing and prostration in it? Is it sunnah to praise Allah and send blessings upon the Prophet before the supplication, and should the supplication be made during prostration or after giving salutations (taslim)?

Istikhara is recommended when embarking on a permissible matter, and it should not be performed for something obligatory, recommended, forbidden, or disliked. It can be repeated before proceeding. It is mentioned in the Hadith (definition) that the naming of the need should be at the end of the supplication, although some scholars are of the opinion that it should be in the middle. It is recommended to begin the supplication with praise of Allah and blessings upon His Messenger, and to conclude it likewise. Some jurists have deemed it good to recite Surah (definition) Al-Kafirun and Surah Al-Ikhlas (definition) in the two rak'ahs. As for the remembrances in bowing (ruku') and prostration (sujud (definition)), they remain the same as in other prayers. Many jurists have deemed it good to recite specific verses from Surah Al-Qasas and Surah Al-Ahzab after Al-Fatiha in the two rak'ahs, whereas the Hanbalis did not specify any particular recitation as it was not authentically reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.