Al-Istisqa (الاستسقاء ) literally means to seek rain, and technically in Islamic Shariah, it means to seek rain from Almighty Allah in situations of drought, sterility etc. through the prayer which has a specific method. Salatul-Istisqa or prayer for rain is seeking rain(water) from Allah )during drought and times of low rainfall. It is Sunnah of Prophet(PBUH). Rain is a special blessing of Allah for living things. When no rain or drought condition arises, Muslims gather and supplicate from Allah and ask for His blessing.
Abdullah bin Zaid Al-Ansari narrated:
The Prophet (ﷺ) went out towards the Musalla(prayer place) in order to offer the Istisqa’ prayer and when he intended to invoke or started invoking(Allah), he faced the Qibla and turned his cloak inside out.
Sahih al-Bukhari 1028
Method of Salatul-Istisqa | Prayer for Rain
Hisham bin Ishaq narrated and he was from Ibn Abdullah bin Kinanah – from his father who said: “Al-Walid bin Uqbah, the governor of Al-Madinah, sent me to ask Ibn Abbas about how the Messenger of Allah would perform Salat Al-Istisqa. I came to him and he said: ‘The Messenger of Allah would go out in a modest dress, humbly, imploring, until he reached the Musalla. He would not give this Khutbah(sermon) of yours, rather, he would continue supplication and imploring saying the Takbir, and pray two Rak’ah, just as he would pray for the Eid.'”
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 558
Abbad bin Tamim narrated :
“The Prophet (ﷺ) went out to the Musalla(prayer place) to offer the Istisqa prayer(prayer of rain), faced the Qibla and offered a two Rak’ ah prayer and turned his cloak inside out.” Abu Bakr narrated, “The Prophet (ﷺ) put the right side of his cloak on his left side.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 1027
Time for Prayer of Rain
The timing for the Istisqa prayer is anytime when one can offer nafl(optional prayers). Most recommended is forenoon which is time for Eid Salah.
Place To Offer Prayer
It is desirable to offer rain prayer in open grounds or place where Eid prayer is performed, outside the Mosque.
Rakah’s in Prayer
This prayer is two Raka’at with a loud recitation in both and without Adhaan and Iqamah, similar to Eid prayer. It is preferred to recite Surah Al-A’laa chapter 87, in the first rak’ ahs, and Surah Al-Ghashiyah chapter 88 in the second.
Supplication after Prayer
The imam should prolong supplications and repentance and guide people to do these.
Recomendations for prayer:
- Imam and people will go on feet and wear daily-use dresses.
- All must be in the mood of full submission and obedience and show respect.
- Imam will deliver sermon standing on earth.
- Men should flip their cloak, shawl or upper garment, i.e. to obey sunnah and showing a gesture of change from drought to prosperity.
