Performing istikhara is a way to seek Allah’s guidance when making important decisions, such as a love marriage. To begin, set a clear and sincere intention to ask for divine help regarding your decision. Ensure you are in a state of ritual purity by performing wudu (ablution). Next, pray two voluntary rak’ahs (units of prayer) of Salah. After completing these prayers, recite the Istikhara dua with sincerity. The dua is:

اللهم إني استخيرك بعلمك واستقدرك بقدرتك واسالك من فضلك العظيم، فإنك تقدر ولا اقدر وتعلم ولا اعلم وانت علام الغيوب، اللهم إن كنت تعلم ان هذا الامر خير لي في ديني ومعاشي وعاقبة امري او عاجل امري وآجله فاقدره لي ويسره لي ثم بارك لي فيه، وإن كنت تعلم ان هذا الامر شر لي في ديني ومعاشي وعاقبة امري او عاجل امري وآجله فاصرفه عني واصرفني عنه، واقدر لي الخير حيث كان ثم ارضني.

Translation: “O Allah, I seek guidance from Your knowledge and power, and I ask You for Your great blessings. You have power and I do not, and You know and I do not. You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs, or for my immediate or later life, then make it easy for me, bless it for me, and grant me success. And if You know that this matter is harmful for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs, or for my immediate or later life, then turn it away from me and turn me away from it. And decree for me what is best wherever it may be, and make me content.”

Recite this dua with sincerity and faith, asking Allah for clear guidance. Trust in the process and be patient for the signs or feelings that will help you make the best decision regarding your love marriage.