A bedouin came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) on a Friday and said, "O Allah's Messenger ! The livestock, the offspring, and the people have perished." So, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) raised both his hands invoking Allah (for rain) and the people too raised their hands with Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) invoking Allah (for rain). We had not left the mosque when it started raining. It rained till the next Friday when the same man came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and said, "O Allah's Messenger! The travelers are compelled to postpone their journeys (because of excessive rain) and the roads are overflowed."
The Context of Istisqaa
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 1029 demonstrates the Islamic practice of Istisqaa (praying for rain) during times of drought. The bedouin's complaint about perished livestock and offspring indicates severe drought conditions threatening survival.
The Prophet's immediate response by raising his hands shows the urgency and legitimacy of seeking divine intervention through sincere supplication when natural means fail.
The Methodology of Supplication
The collective raising of hands by the Prophet and companions illustrates the recommended manner of Istisqaa - performed in congregation with humility and earnestness. This physical posture demonstrates complete reliance upon Allah's mercy.
The immediate response to their prayer demonstrates Allah's acceptance of sincere supplication and the special status of the Prophet's prayers being answered without delay.
Divine Wisdom in Answered Prayers
The continuation of rain until the following Friday shows Allah's abundant response to sincere supplication. However, the second complaint teaches moderation - even blessings require balance.
This incident illustrates the Islamic principle of seeking the middle path in all matters, avoiding both deficiency and excess, as both drought and flood are harmful.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars note that Istisqaa is typically performed when rain is absent for an extended period causing hardship. The prayer includes specific supplications acknowledging human dependence on divine provision.
The rapid answer to this prayer serves as eternal evidence of the Prophet's truthfulness and the efficacy of sincere supplication performed with proper etiquette and collective devotion.