Shar‘i Ruling and Wisdom Behind Turning the Cloak Inside Out in Salat al-Istisqā’
Taken from: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām
In Salat al-Istisqā’ (the prayer for rain), should the cloak be turned inside out while standing for du‘ā’ after the khutbah, or should this be done before leaving the house? Also, what is the wisdom behind this act?
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd:
In Salat al-Istisqā’, the turning of the cloak inside out is done during the khutbah, at the time of du‘ā’ for rain, as mentioned by the scholars.
① Following the Example of the Prophet ﷺ
② Good Expectation from Allah ﷻ
③ Symbol of Repentance and Return to Allah
Taken from: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām
Question
In Salat al-Istisqā’ (the prayer for rain), should the cloak be turned inside out while standing for du‘ā’ after the khutbah, or should this be done before leaving the house? Also, what is the wisdom behind this act?
Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd:
In Salat al-Istisqā’, the turning of the cloak inside out is done during the khutbah, at the time of du‘ā’ for rain, as mentioned by the scholars.
Wisdoms Behind Turning the Cloak Inside Out
① Following the Example of the Prophet ﷺ
- This act is Sunnah and a direct imitation of the Prophet ﷺ, bringing the reward and blessings of following his example.
② Good Expectation from Allah ﷻ
- Just as the person changes the state of their cloak, they hope that Allah will change the state of drought into greenery and prosperity.
③ Symbol of Repentance and Return to Allah
- Turning the cloak inside out symbolises leaving behind one’s former state of sin and distance from Allah, and turning towards obedience and servitude to Him.
- Taqwā is called the spiritual garment, and the cloak is the physical garment. Changing the physical garment represents adopting the spiritual garment of piety and obedience.
- It is a meaningful and eloquent symbol of change of condition and turning back to Allah.
