Q: Is it proper to resort to istikharah, by consulting the Holy Qur'an or by rosary beads, in decisive matters, such as marriage?
A: For making decision on a matter, it is preferable to ponder about it and to consult experienced trustworthy people. If these steps failed to remove his/her indecision, one can resort to istikharah. Accordingly, doing charitable work, which does not call for indecision, should not necessitate resorting to istikharah. Istikharah is not a means to foretelling the future of the person or the work.