Anas I said, "While Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) was delivering the Friday Khutba (sermon) a man came and said, 'O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Rain is scarce; please ask Allah to bless us with rain.' So he invoked Allah for it, and it rained so much that we could hardly reach our homes and it continued raining till the next Friday." Anas further said, "Then the same or some other person stood up and said, 'O Allah's Apostle! Invoke Allah to withhold the rain.' On that, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) I said, 'O Allah! Round about us and not on us.' " Anas added, "I saw the clouds dispersing right and left and it continued to rain but not over Medina."
Invoking Allah for Rain (Istisqaa)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 1015
Contextual Background
This narration from Anas ibn Malik demonstrates the proper etiquettes of seeking rain (istisqaa') during times of drought. The incident occurred during the Friday sermon, indicating the urgency and communal nature of this supplication.
The Companions' direct approach to the Prophet ﷺ shows their recognition of his special status as the intercessor whose prayers are readily accepted by Allah.
Scholarly Commentary
The immediate response to the Prophet's ﷺ supplication demonstrates the power of sincere invocation and Allah's mercy toward His servants. The excessive rain that followed serves as evidence of the Prophet's ﷺ closeness to Allah and the acceptance of his prayers.
When the second request came to stop the rain, the Prophet's ﷺ specific wording "Round about us and not on us" reflects divine wisdom in making precise, moderate requests. This teaches Muslims to seek balanced blessings from Allah.
The visible dispersal of clouds as described by Anas provides tangible proof of the prayer's acceptance, strengthening the faith of witnesses and subsequent generations who hear this account.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes the legitimacy of the istisqaa' prayer and its performance during Friday sermons in times of need. It demonstrates that collective supplication is more effective than individual prayer for communal matters.
The incident illustrates the principle of moderation in all matters - even when seeking divine blessings. The Companions learned that while drought is harmful, excessive rain can also cause damage.
Scholars derive from this that leaders should respond to the legitimate needs of their community and that public supplication during congregational gatherings holds special merit in Islam.