The Prayer for Rain (Salat al-Istisqa) in Islam: Rulings, Method, and Evidence from Prophetic Traditions
Introduction
The Prayer for Rain (*Salat al-Istisqa*) is a voluntary prayer performed to ask Allah for rain during times of drought or water scarcity. It is a confirmed Sunnah that the Prophet ﷺ practiced, demonstrating the importance of turning to Allah in all circumstances.
Chapter One: Definition and Ruling of Salat al-Istisqa
1.1 Meaning of Salat al-Istisqa
Linguistically: *Istisqa* means "seeking water."
Legally: **A prayer performed to ask Allah for rain when needed.**
1.2 Ruling of Salat al-Istisqa
It is a **confirmed Sunnah** according to the majority of scholars, based on the practice of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions.
**Evidence from the Sunnah:**
- Abdullah ibn Zaid (رضي الله عنه) reported: *"The Prophet ﷺ went to the prayer ground to pray for rain. He faced the Qiblah, turned his cloak inside out, and prayed two rak'ahs."* (Bukhari & Muslim)
Chapter Two: Method of Performing Salat al-Istisqa
2.1 Timing of the Prayer
It is performed **during times when prayer is usually discouraged** (after sunrise before Dhuhr or after Asr) because it is a prayer for a specific need.
2.2 Place of Performance
It is preferable to pray **in an open area (Musalla)** rather than inside a mosque, following the Prophet’s ﷺ example.
2.3 Method of the Prayer
It consists of **two rak'ahs**, similar to the Eid prayer:
1. **Seven takbeers** (after the opening takbeer) in the first rak'ah.
2. **Five takbeers** (upon standing for the second rak'ah).
3. **Recitation aloud** in both rak'ahs.
**Evidence:**
- Aisha (رضي الله عنها) narrated: *"The Prophet ﷺ would say seven takbeers in the first rak'ah and five in the second during Salat al-Istisqa."* (Abu Dawud)
Chapter Three: The Sermon and Recommended Supplications
3.1 The Sermon (Khutbah)
After the prayer, the Imam delivers **one sermon**, urging people to repent and seek forgiveness.
Prophetic Supplications for Rain:
- *"O Allah, give us beneficial rain, plentiful, nourishing, and not harmful."* (Abu Dawud)
3.2 Reversing the Cloak
It is Sunnah for the Imam to **reverse his cloak** (right side to left and vice versa) during the supplication.
**Evidence:**
- Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) reported: *"The Prophet ﷺ reversed his cloak during Salat al-Istisqa."* (Bukhari & Muslim)
Chapter Four: Etiquette and Reasons for Answered Prayers
4.1 Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness
One of the main reasons for rain is **repentance from sins**.
Allah says: **"Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in showers."** (Quran 71:10-11)
4.2 Charity and Good Deeds
Giving charity helps relieve hardships.
4.3 Collective Supplication
Group supplication increases the chances of acceptance.
Conclusion
Salat al-Istisqa is **a great Sunnah** that shows humility before Allah and teaches that sustenance comes only from Him. The Prophet ﷺ explained its method, making it **an easy yet highly rewarding act of worship**.
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