What is the meaning of Istikhara, and why might evil occur after performing Istikhara regarding a matter? Is the lack of a response the reason? And how does Istikhara affect circumstances or thoughts? Does it make the servant predestined or free-willed?

Istikhara is a specific supplication, and its effect is like the effect of any supplication. Therefore, it must be free from any impediments to its acceptance, bearing in mind that the forms of acceptance are varied. Please refer to Fatwas 98305, 59573, 120388, and 127028 for more details. As for predestination (tasyir) and free choice (takhyir), their relationship to supplication is like that of divine decree (qadar). We have clarified the relationship between the occurrence of divine decree and supplication in Fatwa no. 115134. You may also refer to Fatwa no. 95188 for further benefit.