Mar 19, 2025 4 min read Meditation insights

19. The Subtle Distinction Between Meditation and Prayer: Exploring Istikhara

In meditation, one seeks union with the Divine; in prayer, however, one seeks guidance from the Divine.

At the heart of both meditation and prayer lies a desire to connect with something greater than ourselves. Yet, the core difference between the two rests in our relationship with the Divine, God, or the Creator.

In meditation, one seeks union with the Divine — a merging of self and spirit, dissolving the boundaries between the individual and the universe. It is an inward journey towards stillness, presence, and oneness. Prayer, however, is a dialogue. It is an act of seeking guidance, expressing gratitude, or asking for support from the Divine. Rather than dissolving into union, the individual maintains their sense of self, reaching out with humility and trust.

The veil separating meditation and prayer is delicate — a mere whisper of attachment to life and worldly desires. Both practices are intertwined, often blending seamlessly in moments of deep contemplation. There is, however, a particular form of prayer that I find especially powerful — one that momentarily lifts this veil, bridging the gap between seeking guidance and connecting with the divine essence within. This practice is known as Istikhara.

What is Istikhara?

Istikhara is a profound spiritual practice rooted in Islamic tradition, used specifically when facing important decisions or moments of uncertainty. The term Istikhara translates to “seeking goodness” or “seeking the best” from God. It is an intentional act of surrender, where one acknowledges the limits of their own understanding and opens themselves to higher wisdom.

Through prayer, reflection, and intuitive listening, Istikhara allows clarity to emerge — not as an external sign, but as a sense of knowing that blossoms from within. It is a way of aligning oneself with divine will, trusting that what is meant for you will become clear.

At its essence, Istikhara is a call and response. You place your call through sincere prayer, and then you wait — patient and receptive — for the response to arise through thoughts, feelings, dreams, or subtle insights.

How to Practise Istikhara

Practising Istikhara is simple and can be done by anyone seeking clarity or guidance. While traditionally performed as part of a formal prayer (Salat al-Istikhara), it can also be approached as a meditative prayer practice, especially when integrating mindfulness and intention.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Prepare Yourself
Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can sit undisturbed. You may choose your usual meditation or prayer posture — sitting cross-legged, kneeling, or on a chair.
Set Your Intention
Focus your mind on the decision or guidance you seek. Be specific and clear, yet open to receiving what is best for you, even if it differs from your current desires.
Form the Connection
Place your hands together, palms open and facing upwards towards your face — as if your hands are a satellite dish, ready to receive a signal from your third eye or higher consciousness.
Close your eyes and gently bow your head. Visualise the intention travelling from your mind to your hands, creating a channel of connection between your thoughts, your heart, and the Divine.
Begin Your Prayer
Speak or silently recite your prayer, expressing your desire for guidance. In traditional practice, the specific Istikhara supplication (dua) is recited, but your words can be simple, heartfelt, and personal. Example intention:
“O Allah, if this decision is good for me in this life and the next, make it easy for me and bless it. If it is not, turn it away from me and guide me towards what is better.”
Listen and Receive
After completing your prayer, sit in stillness. Resist the urge to overthink or analyse. Instead, remain open and receptive, allowing your mind to present thoughts, visualisations, dreams, or subtle feelings that may help guide you forward.
Reflect
Repeat this process as necessary over the coming days. Often, clarity will not strike like lightning but will grow gradually — a sense of certainty, peace, or gentle knowing that naturally steers your next step.

The Essence of Istikhara: A Sacred Dialogue

Ultimately, Istikhara is a sacred exchange — a call placed from the heart, with trust that the response will arrive in its own time and way. It teaches us patience, humility, and the beauty of surrendering to something far greater than ourselves.

By practising Istikhara, we cultivate not just decision-making skills, but a deeper relationship with the Divine and with our own intuitive wisdom. It is a reminder that we are never truly alone in navigating life’s uncertainties.

Next Week: The Whirling Meditation

In my next post, I will conclude our series on meditation practices by exploring the mesmerising art of Whirling Meditation, made famous by the whirling dervishes of the Sufi tradition!

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Please note: Esoteric concepts are not meant to be taken literally or as absolute truths. However, they can provide valuable perspectives and context, helping our limited human minds grasp complex ideas.