Question
After doing Istikharah, I felt an inclination towards the girl I went to see for marriage. After giving my answer I have been having doubts. Is that usual or do I need to be 100% sure when giving my answer and thereafter?
Answer
First and foremost, the reality of Istikharah is to seek goodness and guidance from Allah Ta’aala in Mubaah acts (where one is not commanded nor prohibited and one can choose to act or refrain from acting). A famous statement reads, the one who makes Istikharah will not face failures and disappointments. The aforementioned quotation simply means that one will not face unpleasant consequences and will indeed have a good ending; though, one might feel that he/she had erred or taken a wrong decision. Hence, one will be successful and will not regret, eventually.
The scholars have stated: the objective of Istikharah is that the servant has fulfilled his duty by seeking guidance and goodness from his Master, and just as any good advisor who strives to grant the best advices and suggestions to the seeker within his capability, Allah Ta’ala, who is all-knowing and most merciful, will also facilitate for him what is best and beneficial for him. Now, he/she need not to worry, nor wait for a dream; thus, what is good and beneficial would occur, even if one may regard it good or not, feel content about it or not at this time. Eventually, only that will happen which is best and beneficial for him. This is the purpose of Istikharah!
Furthermore, it is not necessary after performing Istikharah one’s heart is always inclined towards something and, therefore, Ulema e Kiram have stated that if one is still confused or not content about the decision after performing Istikharah, he/she should consult the well-wishers as well in this regard.
Allah Ta’ala says in the Quran-e-Majeed:
فاذا عزمت فتوكل على الله ، ان الله يحب المتوكلين
When you have taken a firm decision (after consulting with the knowledgeable ones), then place your trust in Allah Ta’ala (and not on your own resources and decision). Verily, Allah Ta’ala loves those who place their trust in Him (and will surely assist them).
3:159
In other words, once the Mustakhir (the person who performs Istikharah) submits himself before Allah Ta’ala, hands his matter over to Him Ta’ala, asks Him for strength, becomes satisfied with His choice, and begs Him for protection from evil and harm, and to grant him good, Allah Ta’ala accepts it from him, destines good for him, protects him from harm and keeps him in His care. Thereafter, whatever direction he takes will be for his betterment, even though his heart may be disinclined to it.
Henceforth, in the enquired case, it is normal to have doubts after Istikharah; however, you may consult the well-wishers and carry on with your decision and rely on Allah Ta’ala. By doing so, Allah Ta’ala will place Khair (goodness) in your matters and you will not face failures and disappointments as cited above, Insha’Allah.
The bottom line is that Istikharah is to consult and seek goodness and guidance from Allah Ta’ala, not finding out what will happen in future; therefore, after performing Istikharah, rely and hand over your matter to Allah Ta’ala, and if somehow you still find yourself in a restless situation, you may consult the well-wishers.
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
References
Istikharah in the light of Shariah by Molana Ayyub Jeena
استشاره و استخاره وعظ مفتی رشید احمد صاحب احسن الفتاوى)
فيض الباري ص ۵۷۸ – ۵۷۹ ج ۲ ط: دار الكتب العلمية
فتاوی قاسمیه ص ٢٥٢ ج 8 مكتبة اشرفية ديوبند
اشرف العمليات ص ٦٨ – ٧٠ ط: علم دين