In the lifetime of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) the people were afflicted with a (famine) year. While the Prophet was delivering the Khutba (sermon) on the pulpit on a Friday, a Bedouin stood up and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! The livestock are dying and the families (offspring) are hungry: please pray to Allah to bless us with rain." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) raised both his hands towards the sky and at that time there was not a trace of cloud in they sky. Then the clouds started gathering like mountains. Before he got down from the pulpit I saw rainwater trickling down his beard. It rained that day, the next day, the third day, the fourth day and till the next Friday, when the same Bedouin or some other person stood up (during the Friday Khutba) and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! The houses have collapsed and the livestock are drowned. Please invoke Allah for us." So Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) raised both his hands and said, "O Allah! Around us and not on us." Whichever side the Prophet (ﷺ) directed his hand, the clouds dispersed from there till a hole (in the clouds) was formed over Medina. The valley of Qanat remained flowing (with water) for one month and none, came from outside who didn't talk about the abundant rain.
The Context of the Istisqā' Prayer
This narration from Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (1033) illustrates the profound efficacy of supplication during times of drought. The Companions faced severe famine, demonstrating that even the most righteous communities may be tested with worldly hardships. The Bedouin's direct appeal during the Friday sermon shows the accessibility of the Prophet (ﷺ) and the urgency of their situation.
The Miraculous Response to Prophetic Supplication
The Prophet's (ﷺ) immediate response by raising his hands—despite the completely clear sky—demonstrates absolute trust in Allah's power. Scholars note that this teaches us to beseech Allah regardless of apparent circumstances. The rapid cloud formation and sustained rain for a week manifest the divine acceptance of his invocation.
The rainwater trickling from his blessed beard while still on the pulpit signifies the immediacy of Allah's response and the Prophet's role as a mercy to creation. This continuous rain served both as relief and as a test of gratitude for the believers.
The Wisdom in Seeking Moderate Relief
When excessive rain threatened destruction, the Prophet (ﷺ) taught the balanced supplication: "O Allah! Around us and not on us." This demonstrates the Islamic principle of seeking moderation in all matters. Scholars explain that believers should desire Allah's blessings without their harmful extremes.
The specific dispersal of clouds from Medina while maintaining rainfall in surrounding areas shows the precision of divine response to prophetic prayer. The month-long flow in the valley of Qanat became a tangible sign of Allah's bounty and the answered prayer.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes the legitimacy of the Istisqā' prayer during drought. Classical scholars derive from this that supplication for rain is recommended during Friday sermons and other gatherings. The raising of hands is emphasized as a sunnah in such supplications.
The narration also illustrates how Allah tests His servants with opposite circumstances—first drought, then flood—to cultivate constant reliance upon Him. The widespread recognition of this miracle by outsiders confirms its authenticity and the prophetic status of Muhammad (ﷺ).