What if you like someone and do istakhara and the reply is negative, then what would you do beside the fact that you do not want to leave that person
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful
Answer
Imam An-Nawawi has said, “After performing the istikharah, a person must do what he is wholeheartedly inclined to do and feels good about doing and should not insist on doing what he had desired to do before making the istikharah. And if his feelings change, he should leave what he had intended to do, otherwise he is not completely leaving the choice to Allah, and would not be honest in seeking aid from Allah’s power and knowledge. Sincerity in seeking Allah’s choice means that one should completely leave what he himself had desired or determined.” (Fiqhus Sunnah: 2.32)
After performing istikharah the person will (Insha Allah) get guidance from Allah and be inclined towards what is right. It is not necessary that it is seen in a dream or even as a vision while awake. The individual will just feel what is right and should then go on to do the task or make the decision. In regards to the circumstances mentioned above if you heart is inclining not to marry this person then it might be a sign from Allah (SWA) not to go ahead with the marriage. However, if your inclination is to get married to this man, but now and then you have thoughts or doubts whether you should marry him or not, then you should go ahead with the marriage. These doubts may be from shaitan. Furthermore, naturally there is always a doubt in the back of your mind when you make a decision about marriage whether this person is the right one or not. Therefore, you should not take these into consideration and go ahead with the marriage.
My humble advice will be if you really like this person and you want to get married to him then you should go ahead with the marriage. It should be borne in mind that istikharah is a form of consultation. Istikharah is consulting Allah and asking for (goodness) khair in what you are intending to do. Also consult someone from your immediate family who is wise and pious for their advice and view on this important decision.
Only Allah Knows Best
Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
