two rakʿahs in which he recited aloud—an agreed-upon wording, corroborated by other reports.

The form and rulings of the rain-seeking prayer are the same as those of the ʿEid prayer. It is recommended to perform it in the open prayer ground just as the ʿEid is performed, and its regulations are identical regarding the number of rakʿahs, audible recitation, the fact that it is prayed before the sermon, and the extra takbīrs in the first and second rakʿahs before the recitation, as has already been explained under the ʿEid prayer.

Ibn ʿAbbās, may Allah be pleased with them both, said, “The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, prayed two rakʿahs just as he prays the ʿEid.” Al-Tirmidhī commented, “A sound, authentic hadith,” and it was also declared authentic by al-Hākim and others.

In the first rakʿah he recites “Glorify the Name of your Lord Most High” (Surah al-Aʿlā), and in the second “The Overwhelming Event” (Surah al-Gāshiyah).

The people of the town should perform it in the open desert, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, never prayed it except in the open, and because that setting more fully manifests one’s neediness before Allah, Exalted is He.

When the imam intends to go out for the rain-seeking prayer, he should first remind the people of what softens their hearts—speaking of Allah’s reward and punishment—and he should command them to repent of sins and relinquish all injustices by returning rights to their owners, for