To what extent is Istikhara prayer sound and important in a Muslim's life, and is it correct to underestimate it or perform it only in rare cases?

The Istikhara prayer connects the Muslim's heart with Allah, freeing it from attachment to creation. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to teach the Companions Istikhara in all matters, big or small, as narrated in the Hadith of Jabir ibn Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with them both. This indicates that a Muslim turns to Allah and seeks His guidance in all matters about which they are hesitant, even if the matter appears good on the surface, because the servant does not know its outcome.

In summary, Istikhara is performed for every matter about which a Muslim is hesitant and whose outcome they do not know.