their cloaks inside-out. They do so while seated, putting what was on the right over to the left and turning the inner side upward toward the sky. He then turns his own cloak in the same way, following the practice of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and hoping that their state will likewise be turned to what they desire. Again he instructs them to invert their cloaks, and they comply while still seated—moving what had been on the right to the left and exposing the lining to the heavens—while he, standing and facing the qiblah, inverts his cloak as well.

He then raises his hands in supplication, standing and frequently seeking forgiveness, while the people remain seated, calling upon Allah and saying “Āmīn” after his pleas. It is commendable that his prayer include words such as:

“O Allah, to You we complain of the hardship and affliction that have befallen us. O Allah, pour down upon us from the blessings of the sky that by which You make the crops grow, the udders yield milk, and by which You avert hardship from us; and do not make us among the despairing. O Allah, send us rain that brings relief—wholesome, enriching, abundant, saturating, widespread, continuous, and beneficial—O Most Merciful of the merciful.”

He and those with him should exert themselves in sincere, purposeful supplication, accompanied by remorse, repentance, abandoning sins, and clearing themselves of injustices; that is more conducive to their prayer being answered, if Allah wills.

There is no objection to women, children, or People of the Book attending the prayer for rain. If rain still does not come, it is permissible for them to go out again and again within the same year; Mālik allows this repetition because it is an act of petitioning Allah. Whoever reaches the prayer ground before the imam may perform two rakʿahs—though this is not obligatory—and there is no blame on anyone who chooses not to pray them.