Anas said, "No rain fell for a year and so one of the Muslims went to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, on Jumu'a (Friday). He said, 'Messenger of Allah, there has been no rain and the ground is dry and people's wealth has been destroyed.' He raised his hand when there was not a cloud to be seen in the sky. He stretched out his arms until I could see the whiteness of his armpits and asked Allah for rain. As soon as we finished the prayer, (the rain was such that) the youth whose house was near was afraid to return to his family. It last past Friday, The following Friday, they said, 'Messenger of Allah, the houses have fallen down and the paths are blocked.' He smiled and observed how quickly the son of Adam becomes discontented. He said while making a gesture with his hand, 'O Allah, around us and not on us.' And the rain cleared away from Madina."
The Excellence of Rain Supplication
This narration from Anas ibn Malik, recorded in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 612, demonstrates the profound efficacy of sincere supplication and the Prophet's perfect reliance upon Allah. When the community faced severe drought, they approached Allah's Messenger during Friday prayer - the most blessed time for du'a acceptance.
Prophetic Methodology in Supplication
The Prophet raised his hands with complete conviction, displaying the physical posture of earnest begging before Allah. Scholars note his armpits became visible, indicating the utmost humility and intensity in his request. This teaches us that supplication requires both internal sincerity and external manifestation of need.
The immediate response to his prayer demonstrates Allah's mercy toward those who turn to Him in genuine need. The rain came so abundantly that it caused inconvenience, teaching us that blessings require moderation.
Wisdom in Contentment
When people complained about excessive rain, the Prophet smiled at human nature's quick discontentment. His subsequent supplication "O Allah, around us and not on us" shows the balanced approach Muslims should take - seeking beneficial moderate rain rather than complete cessation. This reflects the middle path Islam encourages in all matters.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars emphasize that this hadith establishes the permissibility of praying for rain during Friday sermons. It also demonstrates the Prophet's role as intercessor for his community and the importance of turning to Allah collectively during times of hardship. The immediate answer to his prayer serves as eternal proof of his prophethood and Allah's acceptance of his supplications.