30.0 CHAPTER PRAYER FOR RAIN
When the ground is dry and there is a drought.
“Chapter: prayer for rain”: Al-istisqa’ is an Arabic word that refers to asking for water and seeking rain. (See al-Mutla’ (p. 110) and al-Dar al-Naqi (1/286).)
The rain prayer is performed when:
“When the land is dry”: This is when the land is without vegetation, grass or pasture.
“And there is a drought”: There has been no rainfall for a long period of time.
Given this situation, the rain prayer is performed to seek from Allah that He quenches the earth with water. Al-istisqa’ is an old Sunnah which was practiced by the Prophets. Musa sought water from Allah: {And [recall] when Musa prayed for water for his people, so We said, “Strike with your staff the stone.”} (Al-Baqarah: 60)
Similarly, Sulayman sought rain for his people and our Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) also did so. Al-istisqa is an old Sunnah practiced by many prophets. Seeking rain brings about humility towards Allah and submission to Him.
One asks for Allah’s forgiveness when seeking rain.
Rain is held back due to the sins of the slaves as explained in the hadith, “A nation that refuses to pay mandatory tithe on their wealth shall be deprived of raindrops from the sky.” (Reported by Ibn Majah (4019) and al-Tabarani in al-Kabir (12/446). Both ahadith were narrated by Ibn ‘Umar.) One of the reasons for the scarcity of rain is due to the people: {And [Allah revealed] that if they had remained straight on the way, we would have given them abundant provision. So, we might test them therein. And whoever turns away from the remembrance of his Lord He will put into arduous punishment.} (Al-Jinn: 16-17) When men transgress the commandments of their Creator, especially withholding of zakat, verily, Allah shall punish them. There can be rainfall but the earth will not sprout vegetation. Allah says: {How We poured down water in torrents. Then We broke open the earth, splitting [it with sprouts]. And caused to grow within its grain, and grapes and herbage, and olive and palm trees, and gardens of dense shrubbery, and fruit and grass, [As] enjoyment for you and your grazing livestock.} (‘Abasa: 25-32) When the rain is held back, the earth stops growing vegetation.
It can be prayed in congregation or individually. In terms of location and rules, it is like the ‘Eid prayer.
The Messenger of Allah(pbuh) performed al-istisqa, as mentioned by Ibn al-Qayyim, (Zad al-Ma’ad (1/456-458).) in three different ways:
1. He (pbuh) went out with the people and prayed with them. He delivered the sermon and supplicated for rain afterwards. This is the most established way to offer the prayer.
2. He (pbuh) supplicated for rain during the sermon of the Friday prayer. The people replied to it by saying “amin”.
3. He (pbuh) supplicated for rain, neither in a prayer nor during a Friday sermon.
“It can be prayed in congregation or individually”: It is best prayed in congregation as was the example set by the Prophet(pbuh) and it is the best way to ensure that Allah answers the supplication.
Residency is not a condition for this prayer. The traveler may perform the rain prayer.
“In terms of location”: Like the ‘Eid prayer, the rain prayer is performed in an open ground. It is also similar to the ‘Eid prayer in terms of its rulings. The rain prayer consists of two rakat with additional takbirs. The recitation is recited aloud in the prayer and takbir is said in the beginning of each rakat.
“Like the ‘Eid prayer”: There is no nafl prayer before or after the rain prayer at the open ground just like the ‘Eid prayer.
When the imam decides to perform the prayer, he warns and orders them to seek Allah’s forgiveness for their sins, to avoid injustice and enmity. He orders them to observe their fasts and give charity. A day is set for the prayer for them to go out to the ground. They cleanse themselves but do not apply perfume. They go out to the ground in a humble manner, afraid and in meekness. There will gather therein the people of din, the righteous, the old and the young who have reached a discerning age.
“When the imam decides to perform the prayer, he warns and orders them to seek Allah’s forgiveness for their sins, to avoid injustice and enmity. He orders them to observe their fasts and give charity”: Before going out to perform al-istisqa’, it is mustahabb that the imam or the leader of the Muslims order the people to seek repentance for their sins, give charity and help the needy. These acts facilitate rainfall and ensure that the supplications are answered. Hence, the imam orders the people to do so verbally or through a written text. This text is then circulated among the people and it is also read out in the masjids in the days leading up to the performance of the rain prayer. These actions are mustahabb for they are beneficial in the buildup of the actual prayer.
These actions mentioned above are a means to an end, this being the acceptance of the supplication for rain. For example, the invocation of a fasting person is readily answered. Returning properties to their rightful owners also facilitates the acceptance of supplications.
“A day is set for the prayer for them to go out to the ground”: A Day is fixed for the rain prayer so that people know when to go out to the open ground for the prayer.
“They cleanse themselves but do not apply perfume”: They leave the prayer in a physically pure state as this is mustahabb wherever people congregate. All bad odor should be removed but they should not apply perfume like how they would for the ‘Eid prayer. Furthermore, they should not wear their finest clothes as one would wear to the ‘Eid prayer. People should congregate for the rain prayer in total humility and meekness towards Allah. They go out to the prayer wearing ordinary clothes.
“They go out to the ground in a humble manner, afraid and in meekness”: As exemplified by the Prophet(pbuh). He went out to the ground in a humble manner and in submission to Allah(swt). He did not go there wearing his finest clothes. (Reported by Ahmad (1/230, 269,355), al-Tirmidhi (558,559) and al-Nasa’i (3/156) from the narration of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas.)
This was the way the Messenger of Allah, the best of mankind(pbuh) prepared for al-istisqa. He went to the prayer ground in a simple way and highlighted the plight of the poor and needy.
“There will gather therein the people of din, the righteous”: When these people are among the congregation, there is a better chance that the supplications will be answered. For this reason, ‘Umar requested ‘Abbas, due to him being the Prophet’s uncle, to supplicate to Allah on their behalf while they responded with “amin.” This is called tawassul, a petition through a righteous person to answer the supplication. Tawassul through the supplication of a righteous person is legislated in Islam.
‘Umar said, “O Allah! We used to make tawassul to You through our prophet and You gave us rain.” (Reported by al-Bukhari (2/24), (5/25).)
That is, the Companions used to ask the Prophet(pbuh) to invoke Allah on their behalf during his lifetime. After his death, they made the same request through his uncle.
“The old”: The elderly. Their supplications are better accepted by Allah.
“And the young who have reached a discerning age”: These children do not have sins and so their supplications are more apt to be accepted once they reach the age of discernment (mumayiz).
The dhimmis should not be forbidden from going out to another place on the same day as the Muslims.
“The dhimmis should not be forbidden from going out to another place on the same day as the Muslims”: The dhimmis are the Jews and Christians living amongst the population in a Muslim land who pay the jiziyah. They do not go out to the prayer ground with the Muslims.
However, if they decide to go out to another location, then they should not be stopped from doing so. This is because they have a need for rain as well. Allah provides sustenance to all his creations, the disbelievers and the Muslims. The disbelievers may engage in supplication for rain but they should not be at the location where the Muslims gather for the rain prayer.
The disbelievers are not designated a specific date to go out to the ground to pray for rain. Rather, they should go out on the same day as the Muslims but to another location. This is so that people will not assume that the rain came about because of the disbelievers’ invocation if it rains on that day. This will only bring trials and chaos. This will be avoided if both the Muslims and the disbelievers go out to supplicate for the rain on the same day.
Then the imam prays with the people and then delivers one sermon which commences with takbir just like the sermon of the ‘Eid prayer. He seeks repentance often during the sermon and recites ayat that make mention of repentance. He then raises his hands and supplicates with the supplication of the Prophet(pbuh)
“Then the imam prays with the people”: This is an established Sunnah. That is, the istisqa prayer is performed before the sermon. The people of knowledge also practiced this. (See al-Mughni (3/336).)
“Then delivers one sermon which commences with takbir just like the sermon of the ‘Eid prayer”: Al-istisqa comprises only one sermon. This sermon encompasses the supplication, seeking of repentance and the offering of reminders.
“He seeks repentance often during the sermon and recites ayat that make mention of repentance”: For example, Allah says to Nuh: {And said, “Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers. And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers.”} (Nuh: 10-12) And also His words in Surah Hud: {And O my people, ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in showers and increase you in strength [added] to your strength. And do not turn away, [being] criminals.} (Hud: 52)
He recites these two ayahs and other ayat from the end of Surah al-Baqarah wherein there is a supplication and mention of seeking forgiveness.
“He then raises his hands and supplicates”: This is exclusive to the sermon of the rain prayer. Raising the hands in supplication during the sermons of the Friday prayer and the ‘Eid prayer is an innovation in the din.
“With the supplication of the Prophet(pbuh)”: He makes the supplication that the Prophet(pbuh) made when he sought rain. This is because it is more readily accepted by Allah. However, if he makes a different supplication that is in agreement with the Qur’an and the Sunnah, then it is permissible.
From them: “Allahumma isqina ghaythan mughithan,” until the end. If it starts raining before they leave for the grounds, they should thank Allah and seek more of His bounties. The prayer is announced with the words, “Al-salata jami’atan.”
“From them: ‘Allahumma isqina ghaythan mughithan’, until the end”:
[Some of the supplications that have been transmitted are:]
“Allahumma isqina ghaythan mughithan banian marian sahhan ghadaqan mujallalan ajilan ghayra ajil, allahumma isqina al-ghaytha wa la taj’alna min alqanitin” (O Allah! Give us rain which will replenish us, abundant, fertilizing and profitable, not injurious, granting it now without delay. O Allah, give us rain and do not make us among the despondent). (Imam al-Shafi’i mentions this in his book al-Umm (1/251) in relation to the hadith of Ibn ‘Umar. See al-Talkhis al-Habir (2/201). Hadith reported by Abu Dawud (1169) from the narration of Jabir.)
“Allahumma aj’al ma anzaltahu qawwatan lana ‘ala ta’atika, wa balaghan ila hinin” (O Allah! Make what You have sent down a strength for us to obey You and as a satisfaction for a time). (Part of a hadith reported by Abu Dawud (1173) from the narration of ‘Aishah)
“Allahumma isqi ‘abadaka wa biladaka wa bahaimaka, wa anshur rahmataka, wa ahya baladaka al-mayt” (O Allah, give water to Your slaves and Your country and Your animals, and spread Your mercy, and give life to Your dead land). (Reported by Abu Dawud (1176) from the narration of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn al- ‘As without the wording, “wa biladika.”)
“Allahumma suqya rahmatin la suqya ‘athabin, wa la hadmin, wa la balain, wa la gharraqin (O Allah! A shower of mercy, not a shower of punishment, destruction, trial or a drowning). (Reported by Imam al-Shafi’i in his Musnad (1/173) from the narration of al-Muttalib ibn Hantab and it is a marfu report.)
Repentance is sought very often as well as supplications that were established by the Prophet This represents one’s earnest following of the Messenger(pbuh) and it is also the most effective in bringing about rain. It is permissible for the imam to read a supplication other than these, provided that it is based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
“If it starts raining before they leave for the grounds, they should thank Allah and seek more of His bounties”: If a day was scheduled for the Muslims to go to the open ground to perform the rain prayer but it rains before they go there, they may cancel their trip. This is because the objective, that is rainfall, has been achieved. However, they should thank Allah and glorify Him for the rain.
“The prayer is announced with the words, ‘Al-salata jami’atan”: This term is a call that urges the people to join in the prayer. There is dispute as to whether saying this is warranted. The Prophet(pbuh) did not do so when he conducted the rain prayer. This call to alert the people was legislated only for the eclipse prayer.
Seeking permission from the imam is not a condition for the rain prayer. It is a Sunnah to stand in the rain as it starts to fall as well as to expose his baggage and clothes to the initial rain drops.
“Seeking permission from the imam is not a condition for the rain prayer”: Just as seeking the imam’s permission is not a condition for the Friday prayer. This is because the reason why the people conduct the rain prayer is a genuine need. The supplication is legislated as is the prayer; even when the imam’s permission is not sought.
“It is a Sunnah to stand in the rain as it starts to fall”: It is mustahabb when it begins to rain to stand in the open and allow the water to meet one’s body and head. The water is blessed as Allah says, {And We have sent down blessed rain from the sky.} (Qaf: 9)
The Prophet(pbuh) also said, “It (the rain) was recently created by its Lord.” (Reported by Muslim (3/26) and Ahmad (3/133,267) and Abu Dawud (5100).)
“As well as to expose his baggage and clothes to the initial rain drops”: The word “rihlih” (baggage) refers to “athatha (furniture). The baggage and clothes are exposed in such a manner due to the blessing and purity contained in the rain. The rain water is tahur. Allah says: {And We send down from the sky pure water.} (Al-Furqan: 48)
If the rainfall is heavy and it causes fear, it is Sunnah to say, ‘Allahumma hawalayna wa la ‘alayna. Allahumma ‘ala al-zurab wa al-akam wa butun al-awdiya wa manabit al-shajr. Rabbana wa la tuhammalna ma la taqata lana bihi’.
If the rain becomes a downpour and it is feared that it shall harm the people, they should invoke Allah to remove the calamity from them and to bring back the sun. The Prophet(pbuh) was delivering a sermon on Friday when a man entered the masjid and said, “0 Messenger of Allah! Wealth is destroyed and the paths have been swept away. Invoke to Allah that he withholds the rain from us.’’ The Prophet(pbuh) raised his hands and said, “Allahumma hawalayna wa la ‘alayna. Allahumma ‘ala al-zurab wa al-akam wa butun al-awdiya wa manabit al-shajr” (O Allah! Around us and not on us. O Allah! On the plateaus, on the mountains, on the hills, in the valleys and on the places where trees grow).
No sooner did he finish invoking than the sky cleared and the sun appeared. The people went out walking in the sun. (Reported by al-Bukhari (2/35, 36) and Muslim (3/24) from the narration of Anas ibn Malik.) This is known as al-istisha’a.
“Allahumma hawalayna wa la ‘alayna (O Allah! Around us and not on us)”: That is, “Make the rain fall near to us so that we may benefit from it. And do not send it on us in such a manner that it harms our crops or it harms the people due to excess.”
“Allahumma ‘ala al-zurab”: Al-zurab refers to raised areas of the earth.
“Wa al-akam”: This refers to the small mountains as they have grassy pastures where animals graze.
“Wa butun al-awdiya”: On the valley beds. The valley is like a river. During monsoon season, water flows through its bed. This water that flows through the valley benefits the earth and the creatures of that habitat. The animals drink from it while the earth stores it in its deep recesses.
“Wa manabit al-shajr”: On the places where trees grow. That is, large trees like the talhi tree and the sadr tree as these are very beneficial.
“Rabbana wa la tuhammalna ma la taqata lana bihi”: “Our Lord do not impose upon us that which we have not the strength to bear.” Examples being floods and rising water levels.
By Shaykh Salih ibn Fawzan al-Fawzan
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