all worlds, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgment.’ There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah; He does whatever He wills. O Allah, You are Allah; there is no deity worthy of worship except You. You are the Self-Sufficient, and we are the needy. Send down rain upon us, and make what You send down a source of strength and sufficient provision for us for a time. Then he raised his hands and continued holding them aloft until the whiteness of his armpits became visible. He then turned his back to the people and reversed—or turned around—his cloak while keeping his hands raised. Then he faced the people, descended, and prayed two units of prayer. Allah formed a cloud, which thundered and flashed with lightning, and then, by Allah’s permission, it rained. Before he reached his mosque, torrents were already flowing. When he saw how quickly they were rushing for shelter, he—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—laughed until his molars became visible. He then said, ‘I bear witness that Allah has power over all things and that I am Allah’s servant and Messenger.’”1.

The “lack of rain” means its being withheld and ceasing.

The words “when the rim of the sun appeared” mean when its edge emerged and became visible.

The words “beyond its due season” mean beyond the time when it should fall.

By the words “sufficient provision for us for a time,” he meant rain sufficient until the need for it ended.

The words “when he saw how quickly they were rushing for shelter” refer to any building or dwelling that protects against heat and cold.

Abū Dāwūd narrated in his Sunan from Jābir ibn Abd Allah—may Allah be pleased with them both—who said: “Some weeping women came to the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—and he said, ‘O Allah, send us rain that brings relief—wholesome, productive, and beneficial rather than harmful, immediate rather than delayed.’ Jābir said that the sky then became completely overcast above them.”2.