Fiqhi Rulings and Issues in Light of the Quran and Hadith, Rulings and Issues of Prayer: Volume 01: Page 245
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!
Istisqa means to pray to Allah Almighty for rain. To cry out in times of need is part of human nature, and the only true fulfiller of needs and remover of difficulties is Allah Almighty. Salat al-Istisqa was also known in previous nations, so it is one of the Sunnahs of the Prophets, peace be upon them.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَإِذِ استَسقىٰ موسىٰ لِقَومِهِ...﴿٦٠﴾... سورة البقرة﴾
"And when Moses prayed for water for his people."
The Prophet ﷺ also prayed for rain on many occasions, and this prayer is narrated in various ways. There is a consensus of scholars on the legitimacy of Salat al-Istisqa.
When rain does not fall for a long time, the land becomes dry and barren, and people suffer losses, then in such a situation, it is necessary for the servants to humbly supplicate to their Lord and ask for rain.
The following forms of Istisqa are possible:
① Performing Salat al-Istisqa in congregation.
② Praying for rain individually.
③ Making supplication only in the Friday sermon.
④ Praying for rain after the obligatory prayer.
⑤ Making supplication in solitude without prayer or sermon.
All these forms are permissible.
Salat al-Istisqa is a confirmed Sunnah. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Zaid رضي الله عنه narrates:
"خَرَجَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَسْتَسْقِي، فَتَوَجَّهَ إِلَى القِبْلَةِ يَدْعُو وَحَوَّلَ رِدَاءَهُ، ثُمَّ صَلَّى رَكْعَتَيْنِ جَهَرَ فِيهِمَا بِالقِرَاءَةِ"
"Once the Prophet ﷺ went out to pray for rain, faced the Qibla, supplicated, and turned his cloak inside out, then performed two rak'ahs with loud recitation."
Salat al-Istisqa is similar to Salat al-Eid in terms of location and some rulings:
◈ It is recommended to perform it in an open field.
◈ It consists of two rak'ahs.
◈ Recitation is done aloud.
◈ The prayer is performed before the sermon.
According to some, twelve takbirs are also said, but no authentic narration has been established regarding this. In the narration of Sayyidna Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه, the similarity to Salat al-Eid is only clear in the number of rak'ahs.
Sayyidna Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه says:
"وَصَلَّى رَكْعَتَينِ كَمَا كَانَ يُصَلِّي فِي العِيدِ"
"The Prophet ﷺ performed two rak'ahs of Salat al-Istisqa like the Salat al-Eid."
The people of the city should perform the prayer in an open field, because the Prophet ﷺ also performed it in this way. In this, the expression of humility and need is more prominent.
Before going out for prayer, the Imam should exhort the people:
✔ Encourage repentance.
✔ Order the fulfillment of injustices.
✔ Encourage charity.
Because sins cause the rain to stop, and repentance is a means of the descent of mercy.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَلَو أَنَّ أَهلَ القُرىٰ ءامَنوا وَاتَّقَوا لَفَتَحنا عَلَيهِم بَرَكـٰتٍ مِنَ السَّماءِ وَالأَرضِ وَلـٰكِن كَذَّبوا فَأَخَذنـٰهُم بِما كانوا يَكسِبونَ ﴿٩٦﴾... سورة الاعراف﴾
"And if the people of the towns had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning."
Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه narrates:
"إن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم خَرج مُتَبَذِّلاً مُتَوَاضِعًا مُتَضَرِّعًا"
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ went out in a state of utmost humility, humbleness, and supplication."
Everyone who is able to go should participate, even children and women from whom there is no fear of temptation.
The Imam should deliver the Khutbah after leading the people in two Rak'ahs. Some scholars hold the opinion of two Khutbahs, but sufficing with one Khutbah is more correct based on the evidence.
In the Khutbah:
◈ Make abundant Istighfar (seeking forgiveness).
◈ Recite verses related to rain.
◈ Make fervent supplication with both hands raised.
◈ Recite Durood Sharif.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ would raise his hands so high during supplication that the whiteness of his armpits would be visible.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿لَقَد كانَ لَكُم فى رَسولِ اللَّهِ أُسوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِمَن كانَ يَرجُوا اللَّهَ وَاليَومَ الءاخِرَ ...﴿٢١﴾... سورة الاحزاب﴾
"There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day..."
During the supplication, the Imam should face the Qiblah and turn his cloak inside out.
"فَحَوَّلَ إِلَى النَّاسِ ظَهْرَهُ، وَاسْتَقْبَلَ القِبْلَةَ يَدْعُو، ثُمَّ حَوَّلَ رِدَاءَهُ"
"He ﷺ turned his back to the people, faced the Qiblah, and then turned his cloak inside out."
It is mentioned in Musnad Ahmad that the Companions رضي الله عنهم also turned their cloaks inside out.
If it does not rain, Salat al-Istisqa' can be performed a second or third time as needed.
When rain starts, one should initially stand under it and recite this supplication:
"اللَّهُمَّ صَيِّبًا نَافِعًا"
"O Allah, make it beneficial rain."
And say:
"مُطِرْنَا بِفَضْلِ اللَّهِ وَرَحْمَتِهِ"
"We have been given rain by the grace and mercy of Allah."
If the rain exceeds the limit and there is a risk of damage, then pray:
"اللَّهُمَّ حَوَالَيْنَا وَلَا عَلَيْنَا اللَّهُمَّ عَلَى الْآكَامِ وَالظِّرَابِ وَبُطُونِ الْأَوْدِيَةِ وَمَنَابِتِ الشَّجَرِ"
"O Allah! Rain around us, not upon us. O Allah! (Rain it) on the hills, mountains, valleys, and places where trees grow."
These very words are proven from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
ھذا ما عندی والله اعلم بالصواب
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!
Istisqa means to pray to Allah Almighty for rain. To cry out in times of need is part of human nature, and the only true fulfiller of needs and remover of difficulties is Allah Almighty. Salat al-Istisqa was also known in previous nations, so it is one of the Sunnahs of the Prophets, peace be upon them.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَإِذِ استَسقىٰ موسىٰ لِقَومِهِ...﴿٦٠﴾... سورة البقرة﴾
"And when Moses prayed for water for his people."
Reference: Al-Baqarah: 60
The Prophet ﷺ also prayed for rain on many occasions, and this prayer is narrated in various ways. There is a consensus of scholars on the legitimacy of Salat al-Istisqa.
The Need for Istisqa and Its Various Forms
When rain does not fall for a long time, the land becomes dry and barren, and people suffer losses, then in such a situation, it is necessary for the servants to humbly supplicate to their Lord and ask for rain.
The following forms of Istisqa are possible:
① Performing Salat al-Istisqa in congregation.
② Praying for rain individually.
③ Making supplication only in the Friday sermon.
④ Praying for rain after the obligatory prayer.
⑤ Making supplication in solitude without prayer or sermon.
All these forms are permissible.
The Status of Salat al-Istisqa as a Confirmed Sunnah
Salat al-Istisqa is a confirmed Sunnah. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Zaid رضي الله عنه narrates:
"خَرَجَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَسْتَسْقِي، فَتَوَجَّهَ إِلَى القِبْلَةِ يَدْعُو وَحَوَّلَ رِدَاءَهُ، ثُمَّ صَلَّى رَكْعَتَيْنِ جَهَرَ فِيهِمَا بِالقِرَاءَةِ"
"Once the Prophet ﷺ went out to pray for rain, faced the Qibla, supplicated, and turned his cloak inside out, then performed two rak'ahs with loud recitation."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Al-Istisqa, Chapter on Reciting Aloud in Al-Istisqa, Hadith 1024, 1025; Sahih Muslim, Book of Salat al-Istisqa, Hadith 894
Salat al-Istisqa is similar to Salat al-Eid in terms of location and some rulings:
◈ It is recommended to perform it in an open field.
◈ It consists of two rak'ahs.
◈ Recitation is done aloud.
◈ The prayer is performed before the sermon.
According to some, twelve takbirs are also said, but no authentic narration has been established regarding this. In the narration of Sayyidna Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه, the similarity to Salat al-Eid is only clear in the number of rak'ahs.
Reference: No authentic narration could be found regarding saying twelve takbirs in Salat al-Istisqa. In the aforementioned narration of Sayyidna Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه, the similarity and resemblance of Salat al-Istisqa to Salat al-Eid is only clear in terms of the number of rak'ahs. (Faruq Sarim)
Sayyidna Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه says:
"وَصَلَّى رَكْعَتَينِ كَمَا كَانَ يُصَلِّي فِي العِيدِ"
"The Prophet ﷺ performed two rak'ahs of Salat al-Istisqa like the Salat al-Eid."
Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Jumu'ah, Bab Ma Ja'a fi Salat al-Istisqa, Hadith 558, 559; Al-Mustadrak lil Hakim 1/326-327, Hadith 1218, 1219
Performance in the Field and Exhortation
The people of the city should perform the prayer in an open field, because the Prophet ﷺ also performed it in this way. In this, the expression of humility and need is more prominent.
Before going out for prayer, the Imam should exhort the people:
✔ Encourage repentance.
✔ Order the fulfillment of injustices.
✔ Encourage charity.
Because sins cause the rain to stop, and repentance is a means of the descent of mercy.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَلَو أَنَّ أَهلَ القُرىٰ ءامَنوا وَاتَّقَوا لَفَتَحنا عَلَيهِم بَرَكـٰتٍ مِنَ السَّماءِ وَالأَرضِ وَلـٰكِن كَذَّبوا فَأَخَذنـٰهُم بِما كانوا يَكسِبونَ ﴿٩٦﴾... سورة الاعراف﴾
"And if the people of the towns had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning."
Reference: Al-A'raf: 96
Going Out with Humility
Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه narrates:
"إن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم خَرج مُتَبَذِّلاً مُتَوَاضِعًا مُتَضَرِّعًا"
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ went out in a state of utmost humility, humbleness, and supplication."
Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Book on Al-Jumu'ah, Chapter on What Has Been Related About Salat al-Istisqa', Hadith 558
Everyone who is able to go should participate, even children and women from whom there is no fear of temptation.
Khutbah and Its Method
The Imam should deliver the Khutbah after leading the people in two Rak'ahs. Some scholars hold the opinion of two Khutbahs, but sufficing with one Khutbah is more correct based on the evidence.
In the Khutbah:
◈ Make abundant Istighfar (seeking forgiveness).
◈ Recite verses related to rain.
◈ Make fervent supplication with both hands raised.
◈ Recite Durood Sharif.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ would raise his hands so high during supplication that the whiteness of his armpits would be visible.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿لَقَد كانَ لَكُم فى رَسولِ اللَّهِ أُسوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِمَن كانَ يَرجُوا اللَّهَ وَاليَومَ الءاخِرَ ...﴿٢١﴾... سورة الاحزاب﴾
"There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day..."
Reference: Al-Ahzab: 21
The Sunnah Method of Turning the Cloak
During the supplication, the Imam should face the Qiblah and turn his cloak inside out.
"فَحَوَّلَ إِلَى النَّاسِ ظَهْرَهُ، وَاسْتَقْبَلَ القِبْلَةَ يَدْعُو، ثُمَّ حَوَّلَ رِدَاءَهُ"
"He ﷺ turned his back to the people, faced the Qiblah, and then turned his cloak inside out."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Al-Istisqa', Chapter on How the Prophet ﷺ Turned His Back to the People, Hadith 1025; Sahih Muslim, Book of Salat al-Istisqa', Hadith 894
It is mentioned in Musnad Ahmad that the Companions رضي الله عنهم also turned their cloaks inside out.
Reference: Musnad Ahmad 4/41
If it does not rain, Salat al-Istisqa' can be performed a second or third time as needed.
Supplications at the Time of Rain
When rain starts, one should initially stand under it and recite this supplication:
"اللَّهُمَّ صَيِّبًا نَافِعًا"
"O Allah, make it beneficial rain."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Al-Istisqa', Chapter on What is Said When it Rains, Hadith 1032
And say:
"مُطِرْنَا بِفَضْلِ اللَّهِ وَرَحْمَتِهِ"
"We have been given rain by the grace and mercy of Allah."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Al-Istisqa, Chapter: Saying of Allah Ta'ala: "And you make your provision that you deny (the truth)!", Hadith 1038
If the rain exceeds the limit and there is a risk of damage, then pray:
"اللَّهُمَّ حَوَالَيْنَا وَلَا عَلَيْنَا اللَّهُمَّ عَلَى الْآكَامِ وَالظِّرَابِ وَبُطُونِ الْأَوْدِيَةِ وَمَنَابِتِ الشَّجَرِ"
"O Allah! Rain around us, not upon us. O Allah! (Rain it) on the hills, mountains, valleys, and places where trees grow."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Al-Istisqa, Chapter: Praying for rain in the grand mosque, Hadith 1013; Sahih Muslim, Book of Al-Istisqa, Chapter: The Supplication for Rain, Hadith 897
These very words are proven from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
Conclusion
ھذا ما عندی والله اعلم بالصواب
