Anas bin Malik said, "A person entered the Mosque on a Friday through the gate facing the Daril- Qada' and Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was standing delivering the Khutba (sermon). The man stood in front of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and said, 'O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), livestock are dying and the roads are cut off; please pray to Allah for rain.' So Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) raised both his hands and said, 'O Allah! Bless us with rain. O Allah! Bless us with rain. O Allah! Bless us with rain!" Anas added, "By Allah, there were no clouds in the sky and there was no house or building between us and the mountain of Sila'. Then a big cloud like a shield appeared from behind it (i.e. Silas Mountain) and when it came in the middle of the sky, it spread and then rained. By Allah! We could not see the sun for a week. The next Friday, a person entered through the same gate and Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was delivering the Friday Khutba and the man stood in front of him and said, 'O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! The livestock are dying and the roads are cut off; Please pray to Allah to withhold rain.' " Anas added, "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) raised both his hands and said, 'O Allah! Round about us and not on us. O Allah!' On the plateaus, on the mountains, on the hills, in the valleys and on the places where trees grow.' " Anas added, "The rain stopped and we came out, walking in the sun." Sharik asked Anas whether it was the same person who had asked for rain the previous Friday. Anas replied that he did not know.
Context and Significance
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 1014 demonstrates the profound efficacy of supplication (du'a) and the special status of Friday prayer congregation for seeking divine intervention. The incident occurred during the Prophet's Friday sermon, emphasizing that even during obligatory religious duties, responding to communal needs takes precedence.
The Manner of Supplication
The Prophet raised both hands while supplicating, illustrating the recommended posture for earnest prayer. Scholars note that raising hands demonstrates humility, need, and earnest expectation from Allah. The repetition "O Allah! Bless us with rain" three times indicates persistence in supplication without being excessive.
Divine Response and Wisdom
The immediate appearance of clouds from behind Mount Sila' demonstrates Allah's quick acceptance of the Prophet's prayer. The week-long rain shows divine generosity, yet also teaches that blessings can become burdens when excessive. This illustrates the Islamic principle of seeking moderation in all matters.
Precision in Subsequent Prayer
When praying for rain cessation, the Prophet specifically asked for rain "round about us and not on us," directing it to various terrains where it would be beneficial without causing harm. This teaches Muslims to be precise in supplication and consider the broader ecological and social implications of their requests.
Legal Rulings Derived
Scholars derive from this hadith that the prayer for rain (Istisqaa') can be performed during Friday sermons. It establishes that the Imam should respond immediately to pressing communal needs. The narration also shows that different individuals may make requests during congregation, and the Imam should address legitimate needs appropriately.
Spiritual Lessons
This incident reinforces the Islamic worldview of direct connection between natural phenomena and divine decree. It teaches that while natural causes exist, ultimate control rests with Allah. The rapid response to the Prophet's prayer affirms his special status while demonstrating Allah's mercy and responsiveness to sincere supplication from all believers.