Question: Can we perform Istikhara (guidance prayer) on behalf of our brother or sister for a matter they are dealing with?
Answer: The person who has a matter at hand should perform Istikhara themselves; no one else can perform it on their behalf. This is because prayer is an act of worship that must be performed by the individual themselves. It is specifically prescribed for the person who has an important matter to consider. In fact, prayer is such an act of worship that no one can perform any type of prayer on behalf of another person.
Therefore, you cannot perform the Istikhara prayer on behalf of your brother or sister. The most you can do is to pray for them, asking Allah for success, blessings, and goodness in the matter they intend to undertake. However, the Istikhara prayer should be performed by the person who is seeking guidance for their own matter.
Sheikh Maqbool Ahmad Salafi, may Allah preserve him
Jeddah Dawah Center – Al-Salamah – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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