Chapter: The Prayer for Rain (Ṣalāt al-Istisqāʾ)

When the land is stricken with drought and the rain is withheld, this prayer is performed—both in congregation and individually. Its manner of performance is given in its proper place, and its rulings are identical to those of the Eid prayer.

When the imam wishes to go out for it, he admonishes the people to repent of their sins, to return usurped rights, to abandon mutual rancor, to fast, and to give charity. He appoints a day for them to assemble, cleans himself but does not apply perfume⦗1⦘, and goes out humble, contrite, submissive, and imploring⦗2⦘, accompanied by devout and righteous individuals, the elderly, and children who have reached the age of discernment. If the People of the Book wish to go out separately from the Muslims, on a different day, they are not prevented.

He leads them in prayer and then delivers a single sermon, which he opens with the takbīr, just like the Eid sermon. In it he frequently seeks forgiveness, recites the verses that command it, raises his hands, and supplicates with the Prophet’s prayer, among which is: “Allāh-umma, shower us with copious, beneficial rain …” and so on. If rain is granted before they set out, they praise Allah and ask Him for additional bounty.

The caller announces, “as-ṣalātu jāmiʿah (the prayer is about to commence),” and the imam’s permission is not a prerequisite for it.

It is recommended to stand in the first rain and to bring out one’s bedding and clothes.