How to perform the prayer for rain, its timing, and its rulings after the king's supplication

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, has issued a gracious call for the performance of the Istisqa' prayer (prayer for rain) throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia tomorrow, Thursday, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, when rain is delayed. This call comes within the framework of the wise leadership's constant commitment to reviving religious rites and turning to God Almighty in times of ease and hardship.

The importance of the prayer for rain and its legal context

The prayer for rain (Istisqa') is a confirmed Sunnah (recommended practice) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), performed by Muslims seeking rain from God Almighty during times of drought and delayed rainfall. It is an expression of dependence on God, demonstrating their helplessness and need for His mercy. Since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has consistently observed this ritual, reflecting the Islamic identity of the state and its strong adherence to Islamic values. The importance of this prayer extends beyond mere devotion; it also strengthens social cohesion and unites hearts in supplication to the Creator.

How to perform the prayer for rain

The prayer for rain (Istisqa') is similar to the Eid prayer in the number of rak'ahs and takbirs, and it is performed in congregation in prayer halls and mosques. Its form is as follows:

• The first rak’ah: The imam says the opening takbir, then follows it with seven takbirs, then he recites Surah Al-Fatihah and whatever is easy from the Qur’an (and it is recommended to recite Surah Al-A’la).
• The second rak’ah: He stands for the second rak’ah and says five takbirs other than the takbirat of transition, then he recites Al-Fatihah and whatever else is easy (and it is recommended to recite Surah Al-Ghashiyah), then he completes the prayer with the taslim.

The sermon for seeking rain and the recommended supplication

After the prayer, the imam delivers an eloquent sermon, focusing on the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness, and warning against sins, injustices, and unjustly consuming people's wealth, as these are among the reasons for the withholding of rain. He urges the worshippers to give generously in charity and perform good deeds.

At the conclusion of the sermon, the imam and the congregation raise their hands in supplication, reciting supplications such as: "O Allah, grant us rain, O Allah, grant us rain, O Allah, grant us rain," and "O Allah, send down upon us abundant, beneficial, wholesome, and widespread rain, a general and beneficial rain, not harmful." It is also recommended at this time to "turn the cloak inside out," where the imam and the congregation reverse their cloaks (or headscarves/cloaks), placing the right over the left and vice versa, as an act of optimism for a change from drought to abundance, and from hardship to ease, following the example of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.

General provisions for travelers and women

Scholars have clarified that the prayer for rain (Istisqa') is permissible for everyone, including Bedouins and travelers, if the need arises. As for women, they are permitted to go out and perform the prayer with the Muslim congregation, provided they observe the Islamic guidelines of not wearing makeup or perfume. Their rows should be behind the men's rows, and the further back the rows are, the better for them.

And whoever misses the congregational prayer, the scholars have permitted him to pray it individually in the same manner, and to ask God for his needs. The ultimate goal is to humble himself before God and ask for mercy by sending down rain, with which God revives the earth after its death.