Chapter: The Rain-Seeking Prayer (Ṣalāt al-Istisqāʾ)
Introduction
Istisqāʾ is the act of asking Allah Most High to send down water when drought, barrenness, and the harm that results from them occur. The request may be made through unaccompanied supplication, or through supplication that follows a prayer.
The most excellent way is to perform two rakʿahs prayed exactly like the Eid prayer—at its usual time and place, with its additional takbīrs and its style of recitation—after which a single sermon is delivered, mirroring the Eid sermon. It opens with takbīr, includes abundant seeking of forgiveness, supplication, and blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ, and the congregation recites the established invocations specific to this occasion.
Some scholars have stated that istisqāʾ takes three forms:
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The people pray, whether in congregation or individually, in the distinctive, legislated manner; this is the most complete form.
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The imam seeks rain during the Friday sermon, following the practice of the Prophet ﷺ and because that hour is the one in which an answer to supplication is most hoped for. This form is unanimously recommended and is the settled practice of the Muslims.
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The Muslims supplicate for rain after their prayers and in their private moments; there is no dispute about the permissibility of istisqāʾ through supplication without a formal prayer.
Ibn al-Qayyim said, “Matters are decreed together with their causes, and among the causes is supplication; so whenever a servant….”