Istikhara means to seek goodness from Allah, meaning when one intends to do an important task they do istikhara before the task. The one who does the istikhara is as if they request Allah Almighty that, O the Knower of Unseen guide me if this task is better for me or not? The description of Salaat al-Istikharah (Istikhara Prayers) was reported by Jaabir ibn Abd-Allaah al-Salami (may Allah be pleased with him) who said:
The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to teach his companions to make istikharah in all things, just as he used to teach them surahs from the Quran. He said: If any one of you is concerned about a decision he has to make, then let him pray two rakats of non-obligatory prayer, then say: