Once during the lifetime of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), the people of Medina suffered from drought. So while the Prophet was delivering a sermon on a Friday a man got up saying, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! The horses and sheep have perished. Will you invoke Allah to bless us with rain?" The Prophet (ﷺ) lifted both his hands and invoked. The sky at that time was as clear as glass. Suddenly a wind blew, raising clouds that gathered together, and it started raining heavily. We came out (of the Mosque) wading through the flowing water till we reached our homes. It went on raining till the next Friday, when the same man or some other man stood up and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! The houses have collapsed; please invoke Allah to withhold the rain." On that the Prophet (ﷺ) smiled and said, "O Allah, (let it rain) around us and not on us." I then looked at the clouds to see them separating forming a sort of a crown round Medina.
Virtues and Merits of the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 3582
Historical Context
This incident occurred during a severe drought in Medina when crops withered and livestock perished due to lack of rain, demonstrating the community's reliance on divine intervention during times of crisis.
Prophetic Intercession
The Prophet's immediate response to the request shows his role as an intercessor for his community. His raising both hands demonstrates the proper manner of earnest supplication, teaching Muslims the etiquette of du'a during times of need.
Miraculous Response
The immediate answer to the Prophet's prayer, with clouds forming from a clear sky, serves as clear evidence of his special status with Allah and the authenticity of his prophethood.
Divine Balance
When excessive rain threatened destruction, the Prophet's smile and measured response "around us and not on us" demonstrates Islamic principles of moderation and seeking balanced blessings from Allah.
Spiritual Lessons
This narration teaches the importance of turning to Allah in all circumstances, the power of sincere supplication, and the wisdom in seeking moderate provisions rather than extremes that may cause harm.