rain.

Fifth: The prescribed practice of the imam turning his cloak during the supplication for rain.

These topics will now be discussed:

• (1-15-4) The Ruling on the Prayer for Rain

It is a recommended prayer established as Sunnah by the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him. There is no evidence that it is obligatory. (1)

• (2-15-4) The Time and Manner of the Prayer for Rain

This topic comprises the following issues:

The first issue: The time of the prayer for rain.

The second issue: There is neither a call to prayer nor a commencement call for the prayer for rain.

The third issue: The prayer for rain is performed like the Eid prayer.

The details are as follows:

The first issue: The time of the prayer for rain.

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, went out to perform the prayer for rain when the rim of the sun appeared.

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, reported: The people complained to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, about the lack of rain. He therefore ordered that a pulpit be set up for him at the prayer ground and appointed a day on which the people were to go out. Aisha said: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, went out when the rim of the sun appeared. He sat upon the pulpit, proclaimed Allah’s greatness, and praised Allah, Glorified and Exalted. He then said, “You have complained about the drought in your lands and the delay of rain beyond its customary season. Allah, Glorified and Exalted, has commanded you to supplicate Him,