A man came to the Prophet (p.b.u.h) and said, "Livestock are destroyed and the roads are cut off." So Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) invoked Allah for rain and it rained from that Friday till the next Friday. The same person came again and said, "Houses have collapsed, roads are cut off, and the livestock are destroyed. Please pray to Allah to withhold the rain." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (stood up and) said, "O Allah! (Let it rain) on the plateaus, on the hills, in the valleys and over the places where trees grow." So the clouds cleared away from Medina as clothes are taken off .
The Context of Istisqaa
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 1016 demonstrates the proper etiquette of seeking rain from Allah during times of drought. The companion approached the Prophet (ﷺ) with a legitimate need - destruction of livestock and impassable roads due to lack of rain - showing that one should have genuine need when making this supplication.
The Response to Excessive Rain
When the rain became excessive and caused damage, the companion returned with a new legitimate concern. This teaches us that we may seek relief from any calamity through supplication, just as we seek relief through rain during drought.
The Prophet's (ﷺ) specific prayer for rain to fall on plateaus, hills, valleys, and wooded areas shows wisdom in directing the rain to places where it would be most beneficial and least harmful to human settlements.
Divine Acceptance of Supplication
The immediate response to both prayers demonstrates Allah's acceptance of the Prophet's (ﷺ) supplications. The rain began immediately after the first prayer and ceased precisely as requested in the second, with the clouds clearing from Medina specifically while continuing elsewhere.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars note that this hadith establishes the Sunnah of Istisqaa (prayer for rain) and shows the Prophet's (ﷺ) role as an intercessor for his community. It also demonstrates the balance in Islamic teachings - seeking moderation in all things, even blessings like rain.
The book "Invoking Allah for Rain (Istisqaa)" from Sahih al-Bukhari contains numerous such narrations that guide Muslims in the proper manner of seeking Allah's mercy through supplication during times of need.