ADDITIONAL PRAYERS · TOPIC 7 OF 9
Rain (Ṣalātul Istisqā’)
Hanafi reference · This page does not change with the studio’s school selector.
[During a time of drought] it is recommended (mustaḥabb) for members of the community to leave the city for it [i.e., the prayer for rain] for three days, on foot and in shabby clothes, in a state of humbleness and reverence for Allāh, the Most High. They should give some charity (ṣadaqah) every day before going out.
It is recommended [for the entire community to go out, and hence even] to take with them their animals, as well as the elderly and the children.
Everyone should pray however much he wishes, [but] individually. Afterwards, they make supplication and seek forgiveness from Allāh, the Most High. The imām then stands facing the qiblah, raising his hands, while the people remain sitting, responding with “Amīn” to his supplication, [ideally] of that which has come in the Noble Sunnah, [such as]:
“O Allāh! Bless us with abundant and pleasant rainwater that will deliver us [from this calamity], immediately rather than delayed; one that fills the entire horizon and pounds hard on the earth, completely covering our lands, lasting as long as is needed.”
It is not sunnah for the imām to turn his garment. Also, non-Muslims may not attend this prayer.