The method and rulings of the prayer for rain (Istisqa) after the call of King Salman

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, has issued a gracious call for the performance of the Istisqa' prayer (prayer for rain) throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia tomorrow, Thursday, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, when rain is delayed. This call comes as part of the wise leadership's commitment to reviving religious practices and turning to God Almighty in times of ease and hardship.

The religious significance and historical context of the prayer for rain

The prayer for rain (Istisqa) is a confirmed Sunnah (recommended practice) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his rightly guided successors consistently performed during times of drought and lack of rain. It is not merely a ritual act of worship, but carries profound spiritual significance, demonstrating one's dependence on God, humility before Him, and supplication for His mercy and forgiveness. This prayer holds particular importance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where rulers, citizens, and residents alike are keen to perform it in congregation at prayer grounds and mosques, reflecting social cohesion and a unified faith in turning to the Creator in supplication for rain.

The description of the prayer for rain and how to perform it

The prayer for rain is similar in its form to the Eid prayers, as it consists of two audible rak'ahs without an adhan or iqamah, and its form is as follows:

• The first rak’ah: The imam says the opening takbir, then follows it with seven takbirs, then he recites Surah Al-Fatihah and whatever is easy from the Holy Qur’an (it is recommended to recite Surah Al-A’la or Al-Ghashiyah).
• The second rak’ah: He stands up saying “Allahu Akbar” (God is Greatest), then he says five takbirs (excluding the takbir of transition), and he recites Al-Fatihah and whatever else is easy for him.
• After the prayer: The imam gives one sermon to the people (or two sermons according to some scholars), in which he frequently asks for forgiveness and supplication, and urges people to repent and redress grievances.

The year of the transformation of the robe and the wisdom thereof

Among the recommended practices during the prayer for rain (Istisqa') is for the imam and the worshippers to turn their cloaks (mishlah or abaya) inside out during the sermon when facing the qiblah to supplicate. The correct way is to place the right cloak on the left and vice versa. Scholars have explained that the wisdom behind this action is to express optimism for a change in circumstances from drought to abundance, and from hardship to prosperity, following the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

Special rulings for women, travelers, and those who missed prayers

Islamic law demonstrates flexibility and mercy in the rulings concerning this prayer, where:

• Women: It is permissible for women to go out to perform the prayer for rain, while adhering to modesty and not wearing makeup or perfume. Their rows should be behind the men, and the best rows for women are the last ones.
• Travelers and Bedouin people: It is permissible for them to perform it if they need rain in their places.
• The individual: Whoever misses the prayer with the congregation, it is permissible for him to pray it alone, two rak’ahs, and supplicate to God with whatever is easy for him.

Traditional prayers for rain

It is recommended to be persistent in supplication and to raise one's hands high. Among the prophetic supplications that have been transmitted are: “O God, grant us rain, O God, grant us rain, O God, grant us rain,” and “O God, give us abundant, wholesome, plentiful, widespread, general, beneficial, and harmless rain,” and “O God, make the crops grow for us, increase the milk production for us, and give us water from Your blessings.”.