If a Muslim is confused about matters, and asks Allah to choose for him what is most beloved to Him, should he await a feeling of relief after the supplication, or should he strive and choose?

Scholars have differed concerning what the one who has performed Istikhara should rely upon afterward. The preponderant view is that he should proceed with his affair; if it is good, Allah will facilitate it for him, and if not, He will avert it from him. It has been said: he should do what happens [to him], and it has been said: he should do what his heart feels at ease with. However, the relied-upon view is that he should not do what his heart feels at ease with if he had a strong inclination towards it before performing Istikhara. It has also been said: he should do what occurs to him, and choose whichever side he wishes, whether to act or to refrain, even if his heart does not feel at ease with either of them, for in what he does will be his good.