Is this Sunnat or Nafil prayer? Pls help

[Irum007]

Hello.

I am a bit confused if the Istikhara prayer is Nafil or Sunnah? How should my intention for reading this prayer be? Should I say this is 2 rakat's nafil Istikhara prayer or 2 rakat's Sunnat Istikhara prayer?

Secondly, can I read the Istikhara prayer just before the 3 Witr Isha prayer? Or do I have to read it after the Witr prayer? A lot of Imams say that the Witr prayer is the last prayer or the day/night and even Tahajjud prayer must be read before Witr.

Please advise on both questions.

Thnaks:shymuslima1:

 

[ahmed_indian]

Istikhara prayer is nafl prayer.

intention in heart: i am going to pray istikhara prayer, 2 rakaat nafil

when to pray: any time, before or after witr. no problem.

=> witr being last prayer is NOT compulsory. its only recommended.