Can I Perform the Istikhara Prayer About a Matter Regarding Which I Have Already Performed It?

Answered by Shaykh Shuaib Ally

Question: Assalam alaykum,

A few years ago I performed the Istikhara prayer for a marriage proposal. Before praying I made a promise to Allah, that I will do whatever the result was. After the prayer my heart turned away from the proposal. So I kept my promise. Now, due to lack of suitable proposals, I am told to reconsider the earlier proposal. Can I perform istikhara again?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

Generally speaking, the Istikhara prayer is to ask for divine assistance in facilitating one’s affairs, and for the best of this life and the next.
If one finds that a decision is facilitated for them after performing the prayer, they should place their trust in Allah and consign the matter to Him.

If you feel that time has passed, and your general circumstances have changed, you can reconsider the proposal by performing the Istikhara prayer again. Doing so would, God willing, not be breaking your promise to Allah.

Please see this explanation of the Istikhara prayer, by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani:

Istikhara: The Prayer of Seeking Guidance

Shuaib Ally