The imam speaking during the sermon: Abu Hanifah said the imam speaks to no one in his sermon

Hisham bin Ishaq bin Abdullah bin Kinanah narrates from his father, who said: One of the governors sent me to Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) to ask about the rain prayer (istisqa). Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: "What has stopped the governor from asking me? The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) went out in a state of humility, lowliness, submissiveness, supplication and tarassul (walking slowly). He prayed two rak'ahs like the Eid prayer, and he did not deliver a sermon like this sermon of yours."

Abu Ishaq said: We went out with Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Yazid (may Allah be pleased with him) for the rain prayer (istisqa). He led two rak'ahs, and Sayyiduna Zayd bin Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) was (also) behind him.

Muhammad bin Hilal states that he was present with Umar bin Abd al-Aziz at the rain prayer (istisqa), and he began the prayer before the sermon. The narrator said: He prayed for rain and turned his cloak over.

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him), who was a Companion of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), that he saw the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) on the day he went out to pray for rain. He turned his back to the people, faced the Qiblah and supplicated. Then he turned his cloak over, then he led two rak'ahs of prayer, reciting in those rak'ahs and reciting aloud. It is mentioned that the view of (Imam) Abu Hanifah is: The rain prayer will not be prayed in congregation, and no sermon will be delivered in it.