Bukhari

Hadith Commentary: Explanation:
This subject is also found in other books of hadith, that during the supplication for rain (du'a al-istisqa'), the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) took hold of the lower edge of his cloak, turned it inside out, and shifted the cloak from the right side to the left side.
In this there was an indication that Allah, by His grace, would similarly change the state of drought.
Even now, among the Ahl al-Hadith, this Sunnah method is practiced during the supplication for rain, but the Hanafis do not accept this.
In this very hadith, the two units (rak‘ahs) of the prayer for rain (salat al-istisqa’) are also mentioned; the prayer for rain is also like the Eid prayer.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
For the turning of the cloak at the time of supplicating for rain (baran-e-rahmat), two words have been used: *qalb* and *tahweel*.
*Qalb* is when the upper part of the cloak becomes the lower part and the lower part becomes the upper part, and *tahweel* is when the right side becomes the left side and the left side becomes the right side.

(2)
Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has used the word *tahweel* in the chapter heading, whereas in the narrations the word *qalb* is used.
This means that, according to him, both words are synonymous, and *qalb* is also in the meaning of *tahweel*.
In some narrations, the word *tahweel* has also been used.
From the narrations, it is also understood that the turning of the cloak (*tahweel ridaa’*) took place before supplicating during the sermon.
The cloak should be turned in such a way that the lower corner is grasped and turned upside down, then it is rotated from the right side and placed on the left side.

(3)
This indicates that Allah, by His grace, will similarly change the state of drought.
(Fath al-Bari: 2/643)

Hadith Commentary:
The prayer for rain (Salat al-Istisqa) can be learned from the Book of Prayer (Kitab al-Salat); at the end of it, the method of turning the cloak can be observed.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
From this hadith, it is understood that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) supplicated for rain before facing the qiblah, but Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has alluded to that narration under this chapter heading which he has mentioned elsewhere. Thus, the narrator of the hadith states that when the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) intended to supplicate, he turned to face the qiblah and turned his cloak inside out.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, al-Istisqa, Hadith: 1028)
Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has established the chapter heading for this hadith with these words:
(Bab Istiqlal al-Qiblah fi al-Istisqa)
“Facing the qiblah when supplicating for rain.”
(2)
Hafiz Ibn Hajar rahimahullah has written that the reconciliation between the hadith of Anas radi Allahu anhu and this hadith is that if supplication for rain is made during the Friday sermon, then facing the qiblah is not necessary, but when supplicating for rain at other times, one should face the qiblah because this is among the etiquettes of supplication.
(Fath al-Bari: 11/173)

Hadith Commentary:
The manner of turning the cloak will be mentioned ahead, and it is the view of the Ahl al-Hadith and most jurists that when the imam goes out for the prayer of seeking rain (istisqa’), he should perform two units (rak‘ahs) of prayer, then supplicate (make du‘a) and seek forgiveness (istighfar).

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has narrated this hadith in a concise form at this place. From the detailed narrations, it is evident that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam went to the Eid ground, and at the time of supplication, he turned his back to the people and faced the qiblah, supplicated while standing, then led two units (rak‘ahs) of prayer, in which he recited aloud, and he turned his cloak. Before returning home, Allah Ta‘ala, out of His mercy and grace, caused rain to begin falling.
(2)
Except for Imam Abu Hanifah rahimahullah, all the scholars of the ummah are in agreement that it is permissible to arrange a prayer for seeking rain (salat al-istisqa’), and that an open field should be chosen for this purpose.
(Fath al-Bari: 2/634)
The manner and wisdom of turning the cloak will be explained later, insha’Allah.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
Humility and submissiveness are intended during supplication; therefore, one should stand while supplicating for rain.
(2)
After the mawquf narration of Abdullah bin Yazid (radi Allahu anhu), a marfu‘ narration has been mentioned so that the mawquf narration may be explained by it—that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) also supplicated for rain while standing on his feet, and did not stand on the pulpit.
(3)
Abdullah bin Yazid was the governor of Kufa on behalf of our master Abdullah bin Zubair (radi Allahu anhu); he had instructed him to arrange the prayer of istisqa’ (prayer for rain) for the people, so the people went out to the open field.
Accompanying him were al-Bara’ bin ‘Azib and Zayd bin Arqam (radi Allahu anhum).
All of them supplicated for rain there.
This incident took place in the year 64 Hijri.
(4)
From this narration, it is understood that the prayer of istisqa’ should be performed after the sermon, whereas the majority’s position is that the prayer should be performed first.
According to us, both ways are permissible.
(Fath al-Bari: 2/862)

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
It is narrated from Ibn Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), when leading the prayer for rain (Salat al-Istisqa), recited seven takbirs in the first rak‘ah and recited: ﴿سَبِّحِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ الْأَعْلَى ﴿١﴾﴾ (“Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High” [Qur’an 87:1]), and in the second rak‘ah, five takbirs and recited: ﴿هَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ الْغَاشِيَةِ ﴿١﴾﴾ (“Has there come to you the narration of the Overwhelming?” [Qur’an 88:1]).
(al-Sunan al-Kubra lil-Bayhaqi: 3/348)
However, this narration is extremely weak, and therefore not valid as evidence.
(Irwa’ al-Ghalil: 3/104)
(2)
The correct position is that the matter of recitation is left to the discretion of the imam.
There is no restriction to recite any specific surah; rather, whatever is easy and available should be recited.
(Tamam al-Minnah, p. 264)
And Allah knows best.
(3)
Ibn Battal has transmitted consensus (ijma‘) on reciting aloud in the prayer for rain (Salat al-Istisqa).
(Fath al-Bari: 2/803)

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
In the hadith, only the turning of the back is mentioned, whereas the chapter heading pertains to the manner (kayfiyyah). Therefore, Allamah Zayn ibn Munir rahimahullah has interpreted the word "kayfa" as interrogative.
There is no clarification in the hadith regarding the manner of turning—whether he turned to face the qiblah from the right side or from the left side—hence the need for inquiry.
Since this is not clarified, the imam has the option to turn from either side, but external indications suggest that he turned to face the qiblah from the right side, because the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam preferred the right side in most matters.

(2)
It is also understood from this hadith that when the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam finished giving admonition and advice and intended to supplicate, at that time he turned his back to the people and faced the qiblah.
(Fath al-Bari: 2/684)

Hadith Commentary:
The two units (rak‘ahs) of prayer for seeking rain (salat al-istisqa) are Sunnah.
This is the view of Imam Malik, Imam Shafi‘i, Imam Ahmad, and the majority (jumhur).
Imam Abu Hanifah rahimahullah does not accept the prayer for istisqa at all; however, his two companions (Sahibayn) have opposed the Imam in this matter and have acknowledged that the prayer of istisqa is Sunnah.
The author of ‘Urf al-Shadhi has written about this in detail.
Hazrat Maulana Ubaidullah Sahib, Shaykh al-Hadith (may his shade be prolonged), after explaining all the differences, states:
"You have come to know from what we have mentioned the confusion of the Hanafis in explaining the madhhab of their Imam, which is that he has absolutely negated the prayer in istisqa, as is explicitly stated in the words of Abu Yusuf and Muhammad in explaining the madhhab of Abu Hanifah. There is no doubt that this statement of his is contrary and opposed to the sound, established, and explicit Sunnah. Therefore, the Hanafis became confused and perplexed in explaining and justifying his madhhab, to the extent that some of them were compelled to admit that the prayer of istisqa in congregation is Sunnah, and said:
'Abu Hanifah did not deny its being Sunnah and recommended, but only denied its being an emphasized Sunnah (sunnah mu’akkadah).'
This, as you see, is an interpretation of the statement in a way that the speaker himself would not be pleased with; for if this were the case, there would be no disagreement between him and his two companions, whereas all the commentators and others who have written about the differences of the Imams have clearly stated the disagreement between him and the majority in this issue. Our Shaykh, in his commentary on Tirmidhi, said:
'The statement of the majority is correct and true, because it is established that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam performed two rak‘ahs of prayer for istisqa from many authentic hadiths.'
(Mir‘at, vol. 2, p. 390)
In summary, Hazrat Imam Abu Hanifah rahimahullah has absolutely denied the prayer of istisqa. It should now be clear to you how much difficulty the Hanafis have faced in this matter, even though it is explicitly established from the words of Hazrat Imam Abu Yusuf rahimahullah and Hazrat Imam Muhammad that this is indeed the madhhab of Hazrat Imam Abu Hanifah rahimahullah, and there is no doubt that his statement is explicitly contrary to the sound Sunnah.
Therefore, the scholars of the Hanafis have faced great difficulty in interpreting, explaining, and justifying this, to the extent that some have admitted that the prayer of istisqa in congregation is Sunnah, and that Hazrat Imam Abu Hanifah rahimahullah only denied its being an emphasized Sunnah (sunnah mu’akkadah).
This is an interpretation of the statement in a way that the speaker himself would not be pleased with.
If this were truly the case, then the Sahibayn rahimahullah would not have differed from their Imam.
Those who have written about the differences of the Imams have clearly stated in their books that the statement of Hazrat Imam Abu Hanifah regarding the prayer of istisqa is contrary to the majority of the Ummah.
Our Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahman Mubarakpuri, states that the statement of the majority is correct and this is the truth: that the two rak‘ahs of the prayer of istisqa are from the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, as is established from many authentic hadiths.
Then Hazrat Maulana (may Allah have mercy on him) has mentioned most of the hadiths in this regard in detail; those interested should study Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi further.
According to Hazrat Imam Shafi‘i rahimahullah, the two rak‘ahs of istisqa should be performed with extra takbirs (takbirat zawa’id) like the Eid prayers, but according to the majority, there are no extra takbirs in this prayer; rather, it should be performed just as other prayers are performed, and the statement of the majority is given preference.
The use of the pulpit (minbar) for the sermon (khutbah) of the prayer of istisqa is also recommended (mustahabb).
As is explicitly mentioned in the hadith of A’ishah radi Allahu anha, which has been narrated by Abu Dawud.
In it, the clear words "then he sat on the pulpit" (fa-qa‘ada ‘ala al-minbar) are present.

Hadith Commentary:
A detailed narration from Ibn Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) is reported in this regard, that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) went out for prayer with great humility, in simple clothing, with utmost modesty and submissiveness, and with deep reverence and humility.

He led two units (rak‘ahs) of prayer, similar to the Eid prayer, and did not deliver a sermon (khutbah) in the manner of your regular sermons; rather, during the khutbah, he supplicated, pleaded, and proclaimed the greatness and majesty of Allah.

(Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi, al-Jumu‘ah, Hadith: 558)

It is not established to pray more than two units (rak‘ahs).

And Allah knows best.

Hadith Commentary:

The best practice is to perform the prayer for rain (Salat al-Istisqa) in an open field or plain, because everyone can gather there. However, it is also permissible to perform it in the Eid ground or in the mosque.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
For the prayer and supplication for rain (Salat al-Istisqa), most people are required to participate, therefore an open field should be chosen. However, if arrangements are made for it in the Eidgah or mosque, there is no harm in that either.

(2)
In this hadith, the method of turning the cloak (chadar) inside out is also mentioned: its right edge should be placed on the left shoulder and the left edge on the right shoulder. Furthermore, in another hadith, it is mentioned to turn the upper part of the cloak downwards and the lower part upwards. And Allah knows best.

(3)
Previously, Imam Bukhari rahimahullah had also established a chapter with these words: “Going out for the supplication of Istisqa (prayer for rain).” That was general. In the mentioned chapter, the direction of going out is specified. (Fath al-Bari: 2/884)

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
When the imam arranges the prayer for rain (salat al-istisqa), during the sermon he will face the people, but when supplicating for rain, he should turn his face towards the qiblah, because this is superior. However, during the Friday sermon, it is not necessary to face the qiblah when supplicating for rain, nor is there any need to turn the cloak.

(2)
This hadith is narrated from Abdullah bin Zayd radi Allahu anhu.
Previously, the hadith regarding supplicating while standing on the feet was also narrated by Abdullah bin Zayd radi Allahu anhu.
Since there is only a difference of "ya" in the father's name and the rest of the name is identical, it was possible that someone might fall into confusion and consider both to be the same person. Therefore, Imam Bukhari rahimahullah clarified that the narrator of the mentioned hadith is Abdullah bin Zayd al-Mazani, while the narrator of the first hadith is Abdullah bin Yazid al-Kufi.
And Allah knows best.
(Fath al-Bari: 2/665)

Hadith Commentary: Benefits and Issues: 1.
There are three ways to seek rain:
➊ Supplication (du'a) may be made individually or collectively.
➋ Supplication may be made during the Friday sermon (khutbah) or after the obligatory prayer.
➌ Going out to an open field, delivering a sermon, and making supplication together with all the people.

2.
When the prayer for rain (Salat al-Istisqa) is performed in an open field, the view of the majority of scholars is that the prayer is performed first, then the sermon is delivered.
According to the Shafi'is (rahimahullah) and the Malikis (rahimahullah), there are two sermons, and this is also the view of Imam Muhammad (rahimahullah). According to the Hanbalis, there is one sermon, and this is also the position of Imam Abu Yusuf (rahimahullah).
And the supplication in the sermon will be made by the imam facing the qiblah, and he will raise his hands; the followers will also participate with him.
And at the end, the imam and the followers will turn their cloaks inside out, and the sermon may also be delivered before the prayer.
In it, there will be exhortation to repentance, seeking forgiveness, and giving charity and alms, and the supplication will, in any case, be made in the sermon, and the cloak will also be turned inside out at this point,
whether the sermon is before or after the prayer.

3.
According to Imam Malik (rahimahullah), Imam Shafi'i (rahimahullah), Imam Ahmad (rahimahullah), and the two companions (of Abu Hanifah), the prayer for rain (Salat al-Istisqa) is Sunnah.
According to Imam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah), there is no prayer for Istisqa; rather, one should go out to the open field and make supplication, and the cloak is not to be turned inside out.

4.
According to the Shafi'is (rahimahullah) and Hanbalis (rahimahullah), the prayer for rain (Salat al-Istisqa) is like the Eid prayers, that is, there are seven takbirs in the first rak'ah and five in the second, and according to the majority of scholars, the prayer is like the Fajr prayer.
And according to Imam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah), the prayer for rain (Salat al-Istisqa) may be performed individually, and there is consensus that the recitation (qira'ah) should be loud.

1164. Commentary:
The easy method of turning the sheet is that, with your hands, take the right edge of the sheet from under your waist with your left hand, and the left edge with your right hand, and bring them upwards. In this way, the sheet is turned from all sides—top, bottom, right, and left. If one is not wearing a sheet, then perform this act with a handkerchief so that the reward of acting upon the Sunnah of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) may be attained.

1167. Commentary:
During the sermon, this act is prescribed as a good omen at the time of supplication.

1508. Commentary: A black woolen cloak also falls under the category of simplicity. It is also modest in price.

1506. Commentary:

➊ There are two Companions named Abdullah bin Zayd: one is Abdullah bin Zayd bin Asim al-Mazani, and the other is Abdullah bin Zayd bin Abd Rabbih. If only "Abdullah bin Zayd" is mentioned, there may be confusion as to which one is intended. As happened with Sufyan bin ‘Uyaynah rahimahullah, who made a mistake in this regard. Therefore, the Imam clarified that the narrator of the hadith regarding the call to prayer (adhan) is not Abdullah bin Zayd bin Abd Rabbih, but rather Abdullah bin Zayd bin Asim al-Mazani.

➋ Going outside the settlement for the prayer of rain (Salat al-Istisqa) is Sunnah; however, in case of necessity, it can also be performed in the mosque. And Allah knows best.

➌ "Turning the cloak inside out"—this act is also Sunnah. In reality, it is a practical supplication: "O Allah! Just as we have turned our cloaks inside out, so too change the present situation." By sending rain, end the drought and transform hardship into ease. The right edge of the cloak should be placed on the left side and the left edge on the right side; likewise, the lower edge should be brought up and the upper edge brought down.

1510. Commentary: In the supplication for rain (du'a al-istisqa), the imam should also face the qiblah. As for the rest of the people, they should face the qiblah even in general supplications, so that they are not facing one another. In this way, humility and submissiveness (khushu' and khudu') will reach the highest level. Looking at one another can affect the state of humility and submissiveness.

1523. Commentary: The specific prayers (apart from the obligatory prayers) that are performed in congregation, whether during the day, their recitation is done aloud (jahran), for example: Jumu'ah, the two Eid prayers, the eclipse prayer (Salat al-Kusuf), and the prayer for rain (Salat al-Istisqa), and this is the most appropriate practice.

Benefits and Issues:
➊ Turning the cloak is a kind of practical supplication along with verbal supplication. That is, O Allah! Just as we have changed the state of our garments, so too change our condition and send down mercy instead of drought.

➋ Several things are included in the turning of the cloak.

(a) Making the right side to the left and the left side to the right, as is mentioned in this narration.

(b) Making the part towards the feet to the head and the part towards the head to the feet, as is narrated in Sunan Abu Dawud. (Sunan Abi Dawud, al-Salat, Salat al-Istisqa, Hadith: 1164)

(c) Making the side that was touching the body to the outside, and the outside part to the inside.

➌ After the prayer of Istisqa, it is Sunnah to supplicate with the backs of the hands facing the face. (Sahih Muslim, Salat al-Istisqa, Chapter: Raising the hands in supplication during Istisqa, Hadith: 896)

Takhrij al-Hadith: [وأخرجه مسلم 894، من حديث ما لك به]
Jurisprudential Explanation:
➊ The prayer of Istisqa is a Sunnah. Istisqa means to seek water, that is, to ask for rain.
➋ In another chain of narration for this report from ‘Ubad bin Tamim rahimahullah’s uncle, Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin Zayd bin ‘Asim al-Mazini al-Ansari radi Allahu anhu, it is mentioned: I saw the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam on the day when he went out for Istisqa, then he turned his back to the people and, while supplicating, faced the qiblah, then he turned his cloak inside out, then he led us in two units of prayer (rak‘ahs) in which he recited aloud. [صحيح بخاري : 1025 ميں مسلم : 894]
● This hadith clearly proves that performing the prayer of Istisqa in congregation is Sunnah. However, contrary to this, it is written in the Hanafi fiqh book al-Hidayah: «ليس فى الاستسقاء صلوة مسنونة فى جماعة» (Imam Abu Hanifah said:) On the occasion of Istisqa, congregational prayer is not Sunnah. (vol. 1, p. 176, Bab al-Istisqa)!!
➌ While supplicating, the back of the hands should be towards the sky. [صحيح مسلم : 895]
The palms should be in front of the face and the hands should not be raised above the head. [صحيح ابن حبان، الاحسان : 876 وسنده صحیح سنن ابي داود : 1168]
➍ Turning the cloak inside out means: O Allah! Change the condition of the people and send down rain.
➎ It is better to have a pious and righteous person lead the prayer of Istisqa and make supplication. See [صحيح بخاري 1010،]
➏ Also see [الموطأ ح 448، البخاري 1016، 1017]
➐ For the prayer of Istisqa, an open area should be chosen.

Takhrij:
«أخرجه أبوداود، الصلاة، باب رفع اليدين في الاستسقاء، حديث:1173، وقصة التحويل: ذكرها البخاري، الاستسقاء، حديث:1024، ومرسل أبي جعفر أخرجه الدارقطني:2 /66، وسنده ضعيف، حفص بن غياث مدلس وعنعن، والسند مرسل.»©Explanation:
➊ From this hadith, it is understood that, contrary to the Eid prayer, it is permissible to take the pulpit (minbar) outside on the occasion of the prayer for rain (salat al-istisqa).
➋ The sermon (khutbah) of istisqa was delivered before the prayer, and for the supplication (du'a) for rain, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam raised his hands so high that, according to Anas radi Allahu anhu, "I never saw the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam raise his hands so high on any other occasion." (Sahih al-Bukhari, al-Manaqib, Chapter: The Description of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, Hadith: 3565; and Sahih Muslim, Salat al-Istisqa, Chapter: Raising the Hands in Supplication during Istisqa, Hadith: 896) Imam Nawawi rahimahullah has compiled thirty hadiths regarding raising the hands in supplication. From this, it is understood that raising the hands while making supplication is also a Sunnah.
➌ This hadith also shows that it is Sunnah to begin the sermon (khutbah) with "Alhamdulillah" and not with "Bismillah." Beginning with any other phrase is not correct. The mursal narration of Abu Ja'far Baqir in Sunan al-Daraqutni has been declared weak in its chain by our esteemed researcher, whereas it is narrated from Jabir radi Allahu anhu in al-Mustadrak of al-Hakim and al-Bayhaqi that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam turned his cloak inside out so that the drought (would be changed) to prosperity. Imam Hakim has declared it authentic, and Imam Dhahabi has agreed with him. See: (al-Mustadrak of al-Hakim: 1/326; al-Sunan al-Kubra of al-Bayhaqi: 3/351). Therefore, the mursal narration of al-Daraqutni has no effect on its authenticity, because the narrator who transmits it as a connected (mawsul) narration is trustworthy.
© Hadith Narrator:
«حضرت ابوجعفر باقر رحمہ اللہ » Abu Ja'far "Baqir" (with a kasrah under the letter qaf) is his kunyah. His name is Muhammad ibn Ali Zayn al-Abidin ibn Husayn ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib. According to the belief of the Imamiyyah Ithna Ashariyyah Shia, he is the fifth among the twelve Imams. He is called "Baqir" because "tabqir" means vastness of knowledge, and his knowledge was indeed vast; he was a great and accomplished scholar. He was born in 56 AH. He passed away in 117 AH at the age of sixty-three and was buried in the cemetery of Jannat al-Baqi.

Benefit:
A person’s creed should be firm; one should not attribute anything to other than Allah. Generally, we observe that if it rains at someone’s festival or urs, people with weak faith begin to say that it rained because of such-and-such saint’s festival or urs, and this statement is clear shirk (associating partners with Allah). The granting of blessings or the removal of blessings is solely within the power of Allah Ta’ala.