What is Meaning of Istisqa?
Istisqa means seeking water. During droughts and famines special Salah is offered for seeking rains (inviting mercy of Allah). One can pray for rains even without organizing special Salah. Prophet (ﷺ) prayed for rain while delivering sermons from the pulpit on Friday. Prophet (ﷺ) has prayed from the pulpit and also while sitting in the mosque in normal days.
Is Salatul Istisqa is Sunnah ?
To offer Salatul Istisqa is to follow Prophet's (ﷺ) tradition. Ayesha R narrates: People complained to Prophet (ﷺ) about (lack of) rains. Prophet (ﷺ) directed that a pulpit be kept at the place of Eid Prayer (ground for Salatul Eid) and fix a day for congregation there. He went there after the day-break and sat on the pulpit and after praising Allah said: You people complain that the country is getting barren and dry and the monsoons are being delayed. Remember, it is the command of Allah that you pray to Him, and beseech Him. He has promised that He will grant your prayers. Thereafter, Prophet (ﷺ) recited this Dua:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ مَلِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، يَفْعَلُ مَا يُرِيدُ، اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ اللَّهُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، أنت الْغَنِيُّ وَنَحْنُ الْفُقَرَاءُ، أَنْزِلْ عَلَيْنَا الْغَيْثَ، وَاجْعَلْ مَا أَنْزَلْتَ لَنَا قُوَّةً وَبَلَاغًا إِلَى حِينٍ
"All praise be to Allah, Sustainer of the universe, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful, Owner of the day of Judgment. There is none to be worshipped except Allah. He does what he likes. O Allah! You alone deserve to be worshipped and there is none to be worshipped except You. You are free of all wants and we are helpless and needy. Send us rain and make it a source of strength for us and continue the same as long as we require."
Thereafter, Prophet (ﷺ) raised his hands and continued to keep them raised so much that his armpit was visible and he turned his back towards the people. After completion of Dua, he turned his face towards the people, alighted from the pulpit and offered two Raka'āt. Suddenly Allah made the clouds appear; thunder and lightning started and it started pouring heavily with the command of Allah. Before Prophet (ﷺ) could reach the mosque, there were floods and people started rushing to their homes. Prophet (ﷺ) saw them and smiled so much that his molars could be seen. Prophet (ﷺ) said, "I bear witness that Indeed Allah is all Powerful and indeed I am His slave and Messenger." [Abu Dāwood]
How to pray Salatul Istisqa ?
Salātul Istisqa should be offered in an open ground outside the locality. People must be informed in advance. While proceeding for the prayers, one should be humble and submissive.
Abdullah Ibn Abbās R says: When Prophet (ﷺ) came out to offer Salātul Istisqa, he was not very well dressed. He was a picture of humility, submission and helplessness. [Nasa'ee, Ibn Māja].
On this occasion one must seek forgiveness from Allah and pledge to refrain from inflicting oppression. One must also give alms to the poor and the needy on the occasion.
Before Salah, the Imam shall first pray to Allah after ascending the pulpit. He should first pray in the words narrated by Ayesha R. The Imām and the followers shall raise their hands to the extent that their armpits become visible. Palms of the hands shall face the earth and the back of palms upwards. Thereafter the Imam will turn his back towards the people and will face Qibla. Thereafter, all shall recite the following Dua (invocation) with full attention:
اللَّهُمَّ اسْقِنَا غَيْثًا مُغِيثًا، مَرِيئًا مَرِيعًا، نَافِعًا غَيْرَ ضَارٍّ، عَاجِلًا غَيْرَ آجِلٍاللَّهُمَّ اسْقِ عِبَادَكَ، وَبَهَائِمَكَ, وَانْشُرْ رَحْمَتَكَ, وَأَحْيِ بَلَدَكَ الْمَيِّتَ
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Allah and his messenger knows best
Mashallah
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