The correct view is that after one prays Istikharah and recites the Du`a, a sign that one should go ahead with the matter is when Allah makes things easy. The existence of obstacles and difficulties is an indication that Allah is pushing His slave away from doing it.

If istikharah has to do with an immediate matter that cannot be delayed until the time when prayer is not allowed is over, then it may be done. If istikharah is for something that may be delayed, then it must be delayed.

Istikharah prayer is a Sunnah. Istikharah means seeking guidance as to what Allah knows is the best and most appropriate choice. Istikharah implies submission to the command of Allah and a practical demonstration that one has no power and no strength of one’s own.

This is how to pray istikharah: 1. Make wudu (ablution) 2. Offer two rak’ahs of sunnah prayer 3. Make the du’a mentioned in the detailed answer below.