Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
I am confused, please help me, I did one istikhara, for something, and a shaykh said ”it is the first thought that comes in one’s mind” about the answer. My mind straight after said ”don’t do it”, I was troubled and this troubled my heart, but I still went on with doing what I wanted, the goal of what I wanted to do is virtuous (and I’m in that circle now) but I’m still bothered by the istikhara. Please tell me, what is this? Do I need to not worry or …?
Wa Alaykum Assalam wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuhu,
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful & Compassionate
Istikhara is a prayer of seeking guidance’ from Allah. This guidance unfolds through the unfolding of causing and effects, not mere feelings.’ As such, if you are unsure you should:
a) seek the counsel of those whose advice is worth seeking with regards to the matter at hand;
b) repeat your istikhara prayer; and
c) then assess which seems to be the best way forward.
Faraz Rabbani.
Please see the following links regarding the Guidance Prayer: