How does one receive the answer to the Ishtikhara prayer?
Question
Salaam Imam Sahib. I had a dream after a week of performing Ishtikhara prayers. In my dream the person who has proposed to me is seen walking away from me. Am I to take this as Allah (swt) will and say no to the brother who has proposed. Your in put in this matter is greatly appreciated. Jazakallah Khair.
Answer
It is narrated in Sahih Bukhari from Hadhrat Jaabir (Radhiallaahu Anhu) that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'When you have a doubt regarding a certain matter (i.e. to accept a proposal or not, etc.) then perform two Rakaats of Nafl Salaat and recite the following Du'aa .'
We understand from this Hadith that the purpose of Istikhaara is to eliminate the doubt which one has regarding some matter. Therefore, Istikhaara should be made with a clear mind, and without being inclined to any side in that matter. Since the purpose of Istikhaara is only to eliminate the doubt and uncertainty which one has, it is not even necessary for one to see a dream. If upon awakening, one finds his/her heart inclined to one side of the matter for which he/she made Istikhaara, then one should act in accordance to the inclination of his/her heart. However, if one is still uncertain then one should continue making Istikhaara for 7 days. Insha Allah, the uncertainty which one has would be removed within this period, and one would (in most cases after receiving some indication in a dream) find his heart inclined to a certain side in that matter. If one is still uncertain after 7 days, which is possible, then one should resort to Istishaarah (seeking advice from a learned person, etc.)
As for your dream, the indication in it is quite clear. It shows that the marriage will most probably not work out. One of the most essential ingredients to a happy and successful marriage is compatibility between the spouses. It is very possible that two persons be pious but not compatible to one another. Therefore, one should not entertain evil thoughts of the one who has proposed. The dream in no way indicates that he is a bad person.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
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