Sunan Abi Dawud
Sunan Abi Dawud 1174
A drought befell the people of Medina during the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and while he was delivering the khutbah to us on a Friday, a man stood up and said, "O Messenger of Allah, the riding beasts have perished, the sheep have perished. Supplicate to Allah to give us water." He raised his hands and made supplication. Anas said: The sky was like glass. Then a wind stirred, a cloud formed, they gathered, and the sky poured down its heavy rain. We went out wading through the water until we reached our homes, and the rain continued until the following Friday. That man—or someone else—stood up and said, "O Messenger of Allah, the houses have collapsed, so supplicate to Allah to withhold it." The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) smiled and said, "Around us and not upon us." I looked at the clouds parting around Medina 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.