Salatul-Istisqa (The salat (observed) when Seeking Rain)

Definition of the Prayer for Rain

The Proof of the Permissibility of Salatul-Istisqa

Salat to seek rain is an emphatic Sunnah. This was performed by the Prophet ﷺ as reported in the hadeeth of Abdullah bn Zaid t,: “The Prophet ﷺ went to the praying ground to seek rain. He faced the Qiblah, turned his cloak inside out, and prayed two raka’at.” [ Agreed upon.]

The Time to Observe Salatul-Istisqa

Salatul-Istisqa is permissible when there is a drought and sparse rainfall, or the level of water in the streams and well is low, or due to the river drying up etc. It is recommended (to observe the Salat) after the sun rises and has ascended up to the length of a spear; which is about 20 mins after sunrise, which is the time of Salatul-‘Eid (the Salat observed during the two festivals).

Where to Observe Salatul Istisqa

The Sunnah is for it to be observed on the praying ground and not inside the mosque, in accordance with the Prophet’s ﷺ manner, except when there is need to do otherwise.

Description of Salatul-Istisqa

1- It should be prayed as a two-raka’at Salat with neither the Adhan nor Iqamah. Recitations in both raka’ats are said aloud.

2- The person observing this Salat says the takbeer seven times in the first rak’ah after the initiating takbeer. In the second rak’ah, he says five takbeers apart from the one he says while standing up from the prostration.

3- He raises his hands with each takbeer, praises Allah and extols Him. He also seeks blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ between each takbeer.

4- After the Salat, the imam delivers a single sermon in which he seeks a great deal of forgiveness and recites Al-Qur’an over and over. Thereafter he supplicates, saying many of the authentic supplications of the Prophet ﷺ, with insistence, showing humility, helplessness and demonstrating how powerless he is in front of Allah (the Most High), raising his hands up even higher (than he does in ordinary supplications).

5- The imam faces the Qiblah, turns his cloak inside out, placing what is on the right on the left, and that of the left on the right, while he continues to supplicate to Allah.

Some of the rulings concerning Salatul-Istisqa

1- For it to be preceded with preaching and reminding the people with that which softens their hearts, like talking about repentance from sins and avoiding any ill-gotten properties by returning them to their rightful owners. This is because sin is the cause of scarcity of rain, but repentance, seeking forgiveness and piety are causes of acceptance of one’s prayers and the receiving of (Allah’s) favors and blessings. He should also urge them to give alms, as that is also a cause of mercy.

2- A specific day should be set aside for going out for Salatul-Istisqa so that people can prepare for it.

3- It is the Sunnah when going to the pray to proceed in humility, submissiveness, servitude and subservience, while making one’s need for Allah clear. This is why it is not permissible to beautify oneself or go out perfumed. Ibn ‘Abbas t, said while describing the manner in which the Prophet ﷺ used to go to seek rain: “Indeed the Messenger of Allah ﷺ went out wearing modest clothes (mutabadh-dhila[ Mutabadh-dhilan : Not well dressed or not in his finery]); (walking) in a humble and lowly manner until he arrived at the praying ground.“ [ Source: Abu Dawud.]

4- To seek a great deal of forgiveness and supplicate much, while the two hands are raised, during the course of the sermon.

Recommendations during Rainfall

It is recommended to first stand in the rain, at the instance of the start of the rain, and to allow it to touch one’s body as was done by the Prophet ﷺ. Anas t, narrated thus: “Rainfall befell us while we were with the Messenger of Allah. Then the Prophet ﷺ spread his clothes until they were wet from the rain. Thereafter we asked: “Oh Messenger of Allah, why did you do this?” He said: “Because, it (the rain) just departed from its Lord, the Most High.” [ Source: Muslim.]