Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) I was delivering the Khutba (sermon) on a Friday when the people stood up, shouted and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! There is no rain (drought), the trees have dried and the livestock are destroyed; Please pray to Allah for rain." So Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said twice, "O Allah! Bless us with rain." By Allah, there was no trace of cloud in the sky and suddenly the sky became overcast with clouds and it started raining. The Prophet (ﷺ) came down the pulpit and offered the prayer. When he came back from the prayer (to his house) it was raining and it rained continuously till the next Friday. When the Prophet started delivering the Friday Khutba (sermon), the people started shouting and said to him, "The houses have collapsed and the roads are cut off; so please pray to Allah to withhold the rain." So the Prophet (ﷺ) smiled and said, "O Allah! Round about us and not on us." So the sky became clear over Medina but it kept on raining over the outskirts (of Medina) and not a single drop of rain fell over Median. I looked towards the sky which was as bright and clear as a crown.
Invoking Allah for Rain (Istisqaa)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 1021
The Context of the Prayer
This narration demonstrates the proper etiquettes of seeking rain (istisqaa') during times of drought. The Companions approached the Prophet ﷺ during Friday sermon, showing the urgency of communal supplication. Their request acknowledged that rain is solely from Allah's mercy, not natural causes.
The Efficacy of Prophetic Supplication
The immediate response to the Prophet's ﷺ simple prayer "O Allah! Bless us with rain" demonstrates the acceptance of his du'a. Scholars note that the complete absence of clouds before the prayer emphasizes this as a clear miracle, affirming his prophethood and Allah's power over natural phenomena.
The Wisdom in Moderate Response
When the Companions later sought relief from excessive rain, the Prophet ﷺ smiled at their change in request. His supplication "Round about us and not on us" shows the Islamic principle of seeking moderation in all matters. Allah answered by clearing the sky over Medina while maintaining rain in surrounding areas.
Legal Rulings Derived
Scholars derive from this hadith that istisqaa' may be performed during Friday sermon, that the Imam should face the qiblah when supplicating, and that the prayer should be concise yet comprehensive. The rapid answer to both prayers teaches believers about Allah's infinite mercy and precise response to sincere supplication.