Title: The Value of Istikharah - Can one Proceed Against any Indications after Istikharah ? Question: The Value of Istikharah - Can one Proceed Against any Indications after Istikharah? What is the value of Istikhara ? After an indication, positive or negative, in istikhara can someone act/proceed in opposite direction? Abdul Wajid Pakistan Answer: The value of Istikharah is the same as that of any other supplication for help and guidance. If you closely consider the words of the supplication of Istikharah [1] , you shall see that it does not specifically ask for any positive or negative 'indications' towards the right decision, but, on the contrary, it generally seeks God's guidance and help in taking the decision which is best suited for us from the perspective of this life as well as that of the hereafter. The result of Istikharah may or may not be in the shape of an indication during a dream. It may simply be through such a change in one's circumstances or in any other variable affecting one's decision, which satisfies and convinces one on one of the many available alternatives. The correct attitude, in my opinion, is to proceed trying to achieve the particular option that one feels to be the 'best' or the most gratifying for him, while continuing to pray for God's guidance and help in taking the right decision ( Istikharah ). If, subsequently, one succeeds in attaining his desired objective he should thank the Almighty and proceed in implementing his desired decision with full confidence in the correctness of God's decisions. However, if, on the other hand, one fails in his endeavors and does not succeed in attaining his desired goal, then he should satisfy himself with the belief that if the All-Merciful, the All-Wise, the All-Knowing and the All-Controlling God has not allowed him the privilege of getting his heart's desire, then it is indeed in his own best interest - from the perspective of the life of this world as well as from that of the hereafter - that the decision of God should prevail and that he should accept this decision with a tranquil heart. Keeping the foregoing explanation in perspective, it should be clear that the value of Istikharah is in the relationship that it establishes between us - humans - and our Merciful Lord. It helps us in developing reliance (توكل) on the correctness of God's decisions, while promoting satisfaction and acceptance (رضا) for these decisions in our heart. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad May 20, 2002 [1] For the complete text and translation of the supplication of Istikharah , please refer to one of my earlier responses to a related question titled: " The Text of the Supplication for Istikharah ".