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

This prayer is a Sunnah whenever the need for rain arises. If no rain comes, it may be repeated a second and even a third time. Should the people have readied themselves for the prayer but be granted rain beforehand, they still gather for thanksgiving and supplication, and—according to the sounder view—they perform the prayer nonetheless.

The imam first orders the community to fast for three days, repent, draw near to Allah through various acts of righteousness, and clear themselves of any injustices. On the fourth day they proceed to the open plain while fasting, dressed in humble garments and manifesting submission. They bring along the children and the elderly, and—on the stronger opinion—the livestock as well. The People of the Covenant are not prevented from attending, though they do not mix with the Muslim congregation.

The prayer consists of two rakʿahs like the ʿĪd prayer, though some have said that in the second rakʿah one recites, “Indeed, We sent Noah to his people”1 (Q 71:1). According to the preponderant opinion, the prayer is not restricted to the ʿĪd time. The imam then delivers a sermon similar to the ʿĪd sermon, but he repeatedly seeks Allah’s forgiveness.