The Ruling on Salat al-Istisqa
Salat al-Istisqa, or the Prayer for Rain, is a highly emphasized Sunnah practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is permissible for an individual to perform this prayer at any time, except during the prohibited times. The most favorable time to offer the prayer is after the sun has risen to a height equivalent to the length of a spear*. The prayer can be performed individually or in congregation, with congregational prayer being preferable. The necessity of Salat al-Istisqa arises when rain ceases, the land becomes barren, and the water sources diminish. The Shafi’i school of thought considers Salat al-Istisqa undesirable during the prohibited times since they permit prayers with a legitimate cause during these hours, although they do not include Salat al-Istisqa in this allowance. Ibn Qudamah stated that the original rule is to refrain from performing Salat al-Istisqa during the prohibited times, as the time for it is expansive, and thus it is not required to be performed during these intervals. This viewpoint is shared by most scholars.
A majority of jurists regard the performance of Salat al-Istisqa as a Sunnah, in contrast to Imam Abu Hanifah, who contends that Salat al-Istisqa is not an actual prayer, and instead one suffices with supplication alone. However, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did endorse Salat al-Istisqa, which supports its status as a Sunnah. It is recommended for the Imam to announce the performance of the prayer several days in advance, encouraging the community to repent, rectify wrongs, increase almsgiving, and avoid sinful actions. The significance of this prayer is further emphasized by the action of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as documented in an authentic Hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari from the companion Abdullah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him): “The Prophet (peace be upon him) went out to seek rain, turning his back to the people, invoking Allah, and he turned his cloak inside out, then he prayed two rak’ahs in which he recited aloud.”
The Wisdom Behind Salat al-Istisqa
Salat al-Istisqa has been legislated in Islam for various reasons, including but not limited to the following:
- When rain is withheld, the land becomes parched, and water levels in wells and rivers decrease, Muslims gather to perform Salat al-Istisqa with utmost humility and submissiveness. This prayer addresses the communal need for water, whether due to scarcity or total absence, prompting requests from Allah -the Exalted- for sustenance for themselves, their crops, and their livestock. It is customary for all members of the community, including men, women, and children, to partake in this observance.
- It directs individuals toward their innate nature by relying on Allah -the Exalted- as their Lord, Creator, and Provider, emphasizing that Muslims should turn to Him in times of need and adversity.
Forms of Istisqa
Muslims can perform Salat al-Istisqa in several ways, including the following: The preferred method is to perform the prayer as outlined in the next section. All Muslims, including women and children, are encouraged to attend with sincerity and humility, following the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Alternatively, Istisqa can be sought through a supplication made during the Friday sermon or simply through supplication without a sermon or prayer. It is acceptable to call upon Allah exclusively for rain without performing the accompanying prayer; one can invoke Allah at any time and place, raising their hands in supplication.
How to Perform Salat al-Istisqa
Going Out to Salat al-Istisqa
It is recommended for those intending to perform Salat al-Istisqa to go out without adornment or fragrance, approaching the prayer with respect and humility, as was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Imam should advise the people with messages that soften their hearts, encouraging them towards piety, repentance, giving alms, seeking forgiveness, fasting, and avoiding enmity and hatred among themselves. The Imam should also select upright and virtuous individuals to accompany him to the prayer, including distinguished children and the weak.
Performing Salat al-Istisqa
The Imam leads the prayer for the congregation without a call to prayer (Adhan) or commencement (Iqamah), praying two rak’ahs. In the first rak’ah, the Imam utters seven Takbirs, then recites Surah Al-Fatiha followed by another Surah from the Quran, reciting aloud. He then bows and prostrates. For the second rak’ah, the Imam raises five Takbirs, excluding the Takbir for standing, and repeats the actions of the first rak’ah. After completing the prayer, the Imam sits for Tashahhud and concludes with Salah. Salat al-Istisqa resembles the Eid prayer but differs in that it does not have a specific time limit, in contrast to the Eid prayer. Some scholars maintain that Salat al-Istisqa is to be performed similarly to the Eid prayer in both time and manner due to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Thus, it is performed in an open prayer area with two rak’ahs and is followed by a sermon.
The Sermon of Salat al-Istisqa
Some scholars assert that the sermon for Salat al-Istisqa takes place before the prayer, as evidenced by the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) practice documented in the narration by the companion Abdullah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him): “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) once went out to seek rain, turning his back to the people, invoking Allah, facing the Qibla, and turning his cloak inside out, then he prayed two rak’ahs.” This sermon consists of a single address where the Imam emphasizes Takbir, seeking forgiveness, and praying for rain, such as saying, “O Allah, send us rain, O Allah, send us rain, O Allah, send us rain.”
Imam Shafi’i and others, including some from the Hanafi school, argued that the sermon occurs after the prayer. The view that it should come before prayer is attributed to Umar ibn al-Khattab and Abdullah ibn al-Zubair (may Allah be pleased with them). The sermon serves as a reminder to the community about the challenges they face due to the delay in rain, encouraging them to engage in supplication, repentance, charity, and abandonment of sins, leading them back to their Lord -the Exalted- while urging them to frequently pray for rain.
What is Recommended After the Sermon
After the sermon, it is recommended for the Imam to face the Qibla and invoke Allah while reversing his cloak, placing the right side over the left side. Worshippers should raise their hands during the supplication. The Imam is encouraged to make extensive prayers for rain, following the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Additionally, when rain descends, it is suggested that the Muslim says, “O Allah, a beneficial downpour,” or “We have been blessed by the grace of Allah -the Exalted- and His mercy.” If heavy rainfall occurs and generates fear of harm, it is recommended to say, “O Allah, around us and not upon us, O Allah, upon the plains, hilltops, valleys, and the roots of trees.” These supplications are established from the words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) found in authentic Hadith.
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Footnote
*Spear: This refers to an estimated duration of approximately a quarter of an hour post-sunrise, or slightly more or less.