The short answer: Istikhara is a prayer of two units (rak'ahs) that can be performed at almost any time, except during the times when prayer is forbidden — and the period right after Asr until sunset is one of those forbidden times for *voluntary* prayers.
Let me explain this clearly.
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What is Istikhara?
Istikhara is a beautiful practice taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to seek Allah's guidance when making a decision. The Prophet ﷺ would teach his companions to pray Istikhara for all their matters, just as he taught them chapters of the Quran. [Sahih Bukhari 6382]
The way to do it is simple: you pray two units of voluntary prayer (not obligatory), then you make the specific supplication taught by the Prophet ﷺ.
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The timing issue
The Prophet ﷺ said:
> "Whoever catches one Rak'ah of the 'Asr prayer before sunset, he has caught the 'Asr prayer." [Sahih Bukhari & Muslim]
This hadith tells us when the Asr prayer's time ends — at sunset. But there is also a well-known rule in Islam: voluntary prayers are not permitted after the Asr prayer until the sun sets. This is because the Prophet ﷺ forbade praying after Fajr until sunrise, and after Asr until sunset.
So if you want to pray Istikhara after you have completed your Asr prayer, you would need to wait until after sunset (i.e., after the Maghrib prayer time begins) to perform the two rak'ahs of Istikhara.
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What should you do?
Here is a practical approach:
1. If you need to make a decision during the day, you can pray Istikhara before Asr (for example, after Dhuhr).
2. If you only have time after Asr, wait until the sun has set (after Maghrib), then pray your two rak'ahs of Istikhara and make the supplication.
3. You can also pray Istikhara at night — after Isha, before sleeping, or during the night — this is a common and recommended time.
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The supplication of Istikhara
After your two rak'ahs, you say this dua (you can say it in Arabic or your own language, but the taught wording is beautiful):
> "Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi'ilmika, wa astaqdiruka biqudratika, wa as'aluka min fadlikal-'azim..."
*(O Allah, I seek Your counsel by Your knowledge, and I seek strength by Your power, and I ask You from Your immense favor...)* [Sahih Bukhari 6382]
The full dua asks Allah to decree what is good for you in your religion, your life, and your affairs — and to make you content with His choice.
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A practical tip
The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever seeks guidance from his Creator and consults fellow believers, then remains firm in his resolve, will not regret his decision. [Dua: Supplication for seeking guidance]
So after praying Istikhara, move forward with confidence — trust that Allah has heard your prayer and will guide you, whether by opening the path or by turning you away from what is not good for you.
You can find the full text of the Istikhara dua in the Invocations section of your Al Muslim Plus app — it's saved there for easy access whenever you need it.
May Allah guide you to what is best in all your affairs.