Once in the lifetime of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) the people were afflicted with drought (famine). While the Prophet (ﷺ) was delivering the Khutba on a Friday, a Bedouin stood up and said, "O, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Our possessions are being destroyed and the children are hungry; Please invoke Allah (for rain)". So the Prophet (ﷺ) raised his hands. At that time there was not a trace of cloud in the sky. By Him in Whose Hands my soul is as soon as he lowered his hands, clouds gathered like mountains, and before he got down from the pulpit, I saw the rain falling on the beard of the Prophet. It rained that day, the next day, the third day, the fourth day till the next Friday. The same Bedouin or another man stood up and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! The houses have collapsed, our possessions and livestock have been drowned; Please invoke Allah (to protect us)". So the Prophet (ﷺ) raised both his hands and said, "O Allah! Round about us and not on us". So, in whatever direction he pointed with his hands, the clouds dispersed and cleared away, and Medina's (sky) became clear as a hole in between the clouds. The valley of Qanat remained flooded, for one month, none came from outside but talked about the abundant rain.
Friday Prayer - Sahih al-Bukhari 933
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari demonstrates the profound spiritual authority granted to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the efficacy of sincere supplication during Friday congregational prayers.
Theological Significance of the Incident
The immediate response to the Prophet's supplication affirms his status as the chosen messenger and illustrates Allah's acceptance of his prayers. The absence of clouds before his dua demonstrates that natural causes were not involved, making the rainfall a clear divine miracle (mu'jizah).
The continuous rainfall for an entire week shows the abundance of divine mercy when sought through proper channels. The subsequent flooding indicates that blessings, when excessive without wisdom, can become trials.
Juridical Rulings Derived
This hadith establishes the permissibility of making spontaneous supplications during Friday khutbah when addressing urgent communal needs. The Bedouin's interruption, though seemingly disruptive, was tolerated due to the genuine necessity.
It also demonstrates the proper etiquette of supplication: raising hands with humility and sincerity. The Prophet's specific prayer "Round about us and not on us" teaches Muslims to seek balanced blessings that bring benefit without harm.
Spiritual Lessons
The incident teaches that drought and natural calamities can be remedied through sincere turning to Allah. It emphasizes the importance of having righteous leaders through whom divine mercy flows to the community.
The transformation from severe drought to excessive rainfall then to balanced weather shows the perfection of the Prophet's connection with Allah - receiving what he asked for, then moderating it according to divine wisdom when necessary.