If the person you initially wanted to marry does not show interest in you now, you are best advised to consider the chapter closed and move on with your life. You don’t need to do istikharah anymore for this particular issue.

 

As for marriage, what is important is to look for the essential criteria. The Prophet (peace be upon him) told us: “If a person of sound faith and character comes marry him or her.” So, if the individual fits these criteria and you like him you should look no further. Of course, the person should have the potential to support and maintain a family.

 

To insist on other material conditions and keep waiting for the ideal candidate to arrive is not a good thing.

 

I know from my experience as an imam serving the community in North America for over four decades that many people ended up as lifelong bachelors because of their unreasonable expectations. It is good to remember there is no perfect marriage candidate; no one is free of faults or mistakes.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.