Is the Tightness in My Chest a Sign of a Negative Istikhara?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

I have wanted to marry a guy I’ve known since childhood, and he likes me as well. But the problem is that we are not ready for marriage at all. Yesterday I made istikhara and asked if I should marry this guy in the future or not, right after making it, I felt comfortable and at ease, but the minute I woke up this morning I felt tightness in my chest.

I made istikhara again and then it disappeared, and it lasted like this for some hours. I did it again and then I got a negative feeling, but I still want him strongly. I have read that you get happy if the choice is what Allah wants for you, if not, then you get doubts. Am I just overthinking or is this a sign from Allah?

Answer

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for looking for Allah’s pleasure first, and submitting to what He puts in your heart. May you clearly understand the answer to your istikhara.

Tightness in the chest doesn’t necessarily mean anything, nor does happiness, for that matter.

Please see these links to understand how to interpret your istikhara:
Istikhara: The Prayer of Seeking Guidance
The Reality of Istikhara
A Comprehensive Guide to Istikhara

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.