Assalamualaikum. I am a university student studying Islamic Banking. Recently I have been considering to change my course to Medicine. After doing istikhara, the events that follow are pointing more towards medicine.for example, during the economy class, the lecturer used doctor as an example.And in my englisg class, also mentioned about studying medicine if you get good grades in your exam. But the problem is, I'm afraid if I change my course, my parents will have to pay for my scholarship money which is a lot. so that is the major reason i am not acting upon the istikhara and the other reasonis because i am afraid my sponsors wil revoke my scholarship because I am sponsored by the bank. and they only sponsor students who are very excellent during the pulic exam to study subjects that are non-related to the bank.so, should i insist on changing my course, or is the distress that i am feeling is also a sign not to change my course?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

The Istikhaarah means asking Allaah to choose for a person, but in addition to this, one should seek the advice of rational and experienced people because it is said that a person who performs Istikhaarah is never disappointed and a person who seeks advice never regrets.

Whoever performs the Istikhaarah prayer should go ahead with what he wanted to do and not wait for indications or other matters. What should be taken into account is that the matter is facilitated for the person, as Allaah would choose what is good for him and enable him to do it and Allaah will keep him away from what is bad for him. Ibn ‘Allaan said: “Hence, it is said: It is more appropriate for the person to do what he wants after having performed the Istikhaarah, i.e. even if he does not feel conviction in heart, as what happens after the Istikhaarah is good.”

As regards the indications that you mentioned, then this does not have any positive or negative effect; rather, you should continue your studies or rather you should endeavor to do the second course and if the means are facilitated for you, then you should know that it is the choice of Allaah for you.

Allaah Knows best.