Is it permissible to perform Istikhara (prayer for guidance) when choosing scholars of sound creed? And is it permissible to marry women from among the People of the Book, or a woman who is dark-skinned, or of bad origin, with mention of the evidence?

It is permissible for a Muslim man to marry a chaste woman of the People of the Book, or a Black woman, or one who comes from a wicked lineage. There is no religious impediment to this. The criterion for superiority in the sight of Allah is piety and righteous deeds, regardless of color, origin, or lineage, as Allah Almighty says: "Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you," and as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "A woman is married for four things: her wealth, her lineage, her beauty, and her religion. So choose the religious woman, and you will prosper." Therefore, if the woman is upright in her adherence to Islam, any wickedness in her lineage will not harm her.