Is my misunderstanding of Istikhara prayer the reason for the problems I am facing after marrying a woman with whom I committed zina, and having two children, one of whom was a result of zina, knowing that I am facing great financial difficulties and have lost my job, and knowing that I maintain my prayers and adhkar? And do the hadiths about the virtues of glorification (tasbih) and seeking forgiveness (istighfar) include major sins like zina and usury? And what is the ruling on my first daughter? And what should I do?

Shortcomings, heedlessness, and leniency in committing sins are among the greatest causes of distress and calamities. Allah Almighty says: "And whatever strikes you of disaster - it is because of what your hands have earned," and He says: "And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a restricted life." If the woman repents and her condition improves, and you marry her with a legitimate Islamic marriage, there is no impediment to continuing with her. Let your fear of sins be greater than your fear of losing provision. Atonement for major sins like fornication (zina) and usury (riba) is only achieved through repentance.