Issue Two: No Adhān or Iqāma for the Prayer for Rain
Neither an adhān nor an iqāma is prescribed for the prayer for rain. The imam or his deputy merely appoints a time for the people to go out, and he goes with them to perform the prayer.
The evidence for this is found in the aforementioned hadith of Ā’isha, who said: “The people complained to the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—of the drought. He ordered that a pulpit be set up for him at the prayer ground, and he appointed a day on which the people would go out…” Reported by Abū Dāwūd. (1)
Ibn Battāl said: “There is consensus that there is no adhān or iqāma for the prayer for rain.” (2) End quote.
Ibn Qudāma said: “Neither an adhān nor an iqāma is prescribed for it (that is, the prayer for rain), and we know of no disagreement concerning this.” (3) End quote.
This is also established by the practice of the Companions:
Abū Ishāq reported: “Abdullāh ibn Yazīd al-Ansārī went out, accompanied by al-Barā’ ibn Āzib and Zayd ibn Arqam—may Allah be pleased with them. He prayed for rain and stood before the people on his feet rather than upon a pulpit. He sought Allah’s forgiveness, then performed two units of prayer, reciting aloud. No adhān or iqāma was given.” Abū Ishāq said: