A man came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Livestock are destroyed and the roads are cut off; so please invoke Allah." So Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) prayed for rain and it rained from that Friday till the next Friday. Then a man came to the Prophet (p.b.u.h) and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! The houses have collapsed, roads are cut off and the livestock are destroyed." So Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "O Allah ! (Let it rain) on the tops of the mountains, on the plateaus, in the valleys and over the places where trees grow." So the clouds cleared away from Medina as clothes are taken off.
The Context of Istisqā' (Prayer for Rain)
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (1019) demonstrates the proper Islamic etiquette for seeking rain during drought. The Companions approached the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) with their legitimate worldly concerns - livestock perishing and travel routes becoming impassable - showing that Muslims may seek divine intervention for material needs while maintaining spiritual intentions.
The Prophet's Response to Excessive Rain
When the initial prayer resulted in continuous rainfall for seven days, causing new difficulties, the Prophet (ﷺ) demonstrated the balance in supplication. He did not completely stop the rain but redirected it to areas where it would be most beneficial - mountains, valleys, and vegetated lands - showing wisdom in seeking moderation in all matters.
The simile "as clothes are taken off" beautifully illustrates how immediately the clouds dispersed from Medina, demonstrating the power of prophetic supplication and Allah's acceptance of his prayer.
Legal Rulings Derived
Scholars derive from this hadith that Istisqā' is a confirmed Sunnah during drought, that the Imam should lead this prayer, and that one may specify in supplication the type of benefit sought. The Prophet's refined du'a teaches us to seek what is beneficial without completely removing Allah's mercy.
Spiritual Lessons
This incident teaches reliance on Allah alone for sustenance, the importance of turning to Him in times of need, and the etiquette of moderation in supplication. It also shows the Prophet's concern for both the spiritual and material wellbeing of his community, and how Allah responds to the prayers of His righteous servants.