and that rain will descend. The people likewise turn their cloaks inside out, for Imam Aḥmad narrates: “the people turned their cloaks with him.” Whatever is established for the Prophet ﷺ is likewise established for his community, unless there is evidence showing that it was exclusive to him.

If Allah then provides the Muslims with rain, all praise is due to Him; if not, they repeat the rain-seeking prayer a second and even a third time, for the need still presses.

When the rain begins to fall, it is recommended to stand under its first drops so that they touch one’s body and to say: Allāhumma ṣayyiban nāfiʿan (O Allah, make it a beneficial downpour), and to say: Muṭirnā bi-faḍli Allāhi wa-raḥmatih (We have been given rain by the bounty and mercy of Allah).

Should the waters rise and harm be feared, it is recommended to say: Allāhumma ḥawālaynā wa-lā ʿalaynā, Allāhumma ʿalā l-ẓirāb wa-l-ākām wa-buṭūn al-awdiyah wa-manābit al-shajar (O Allah, around us and not upon us; O Allah, [send it] on the hillocks and small elevations, the valley floors, and the places where trees grow), for the Prophet ﷺ used to say this, as agreed upon. And Allah knows best.