The people of Medina had a drought during the time of the Prophet (ﷺ).
While he was preaching on a Friday, a man stood up and said: Messenger of Allah, the horses have perished, the goats have perished, pray to Allah to give us water. He spread his hands and prayed.
Anas said: The sky was like a mirror (there was no cloud). Then the wind rose; a cloud appeared (in the sky) and it spread : the sky poured down the water. We came out (from the mosque after the prayer) passing through the water till we reached our homes. The rain continued till the following Friday. The same or some other person stood up and said: Messenger of Allah, the houses have been demolished, pray to Allah to stop it.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) smiled and said: (O Allah), the rain may fall around us but not upon us. Then I looked at the cloud which dispersed around Medina just like a crown.
The Book Of The Prayer For Rain (Kitab al-Istisqa') - Sunan Abi Dawud 1174
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud demonstrates the proper etiquettes of seeking rain (istisqa') and the Prophet's miraculous response to communal supplication.
Context and Significance
The drought in Medina represents a collective trial where the community's livelihood was threatened, necessitating divine intervention through proper channels.
The timing during Friday prayer emphasizes that communal supplication is most effective when the Muslim community is gathered together in obedience to Allah.
Scholarly Commentary on the Procedure
The man's direct request shows the permissibility of bringing communal needs before the leader during religious gatherings, provided it is done respectfully.
The Prophet's immediate response by raising his hands demonstrates that the istisqa' prayer can be performed without prior preparation or specific location beyond the congregational setting.
Anas' description of the clear sky highlights the miraculous nature of the response, showing that true tawakkul (reliance on Allah) brings results beyond natural means.
Divine Response and Subsequent Prayer
The continuous rain until the next Friday shows the completeness of Allah's response to sincere supplication.
The second request demonstrates the balance in Islamic teachings - while seeking relief from hardship is permitted, one must also seek protection from excessive blessings that become harmful.
The Prophet's smile indicates his understanding of human nature and the need for moderation in all matters, even beneficial ones like rain.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes the sunnah of praying for rain during times of drought and for its cessation when it becomes harmful.
The precise response to both prayers demonstrates the Prophet's special status as the beloved of Allah whose supplications were immediately answered.
The cloud dispersing like a crown around Medina symbolizes divine protection over the city of the Prophet and serves as a lasting miracle for subsequent generations.