istekhara
I have been offering 2-rakat salah along with istekhara dua since 1 month for my engagement purpose and my engagement is due in couple of days, Insha’Allah. Before this my wedding got called off just 1 week before Nikah. whenever I do istekhara, first I do not get any dream and when I do, it occurs in different parts in one parts I saw I got a big beautiful house, in other parts I was sitting with my friends and we were having a good time told me she had a fight with her husband and last night I saw a sick dog. what does it all means and does the dream is necessary for istekhara. I am so much scared because of past experience.
Answer
Assalāmuʿalaykum Wa Raḥmatullāhi Wa Barakātuh
An engagement is defined as a commitment to marry someone of the opposite sex in the future.
In principle, the practice of having an engagement is permissible, however, this does not allow for the couple to interact freely and intermingle since there is no Nikāh as yet which would render such practices lawful.
Another point of note is that the Sharīʿah strongly advises against the delaying of marriage.
In respect to your question, you have mentioned that you have been carrying out the Sunnah practice of Istikhārah, but for the purpose of your engagement.
Whilst it is not necessary for a dream to serve as guidance as a result of Istikhārah, it is possible that these dreams were shown to you in order to steer clear from having an engagement and instead perform Nikāh; hence, not delaying in marriage.