What is the Islamic ruling on rain during salat al-Istisqa'?

In a Nutshell: If rain commences during Salat al-Istisqa' (prayer for rain), the prayer is interrupted and thanks are expressed to Allah (SWT) for His response. The prayer itself is not obligatory upon seeing rain and supplication continues outside of prayer for a beneficial downpour. Table of Contents Introduction Evidences Ruling on Rain During Salat al-Istisqa' FAQs on Rain During Salat al-Istisqa' Conclusion Introduction Salat al-Istisqa' is a Sunnah prayer performed by Muslims in times of drought to seek Allah's (SWT) mercy and blessings for rain. This article addresses a specific scenario: what happens if rain starts during Salat al-Istisqa'? Evidences Quranic Verses: Rain is mentioned throughout the Quran as a sign of Allah's (SWT) immense power and provision for humanity. One such verse states: And He sends down rain from the sky and with it He gives life to the earth after its death. Verily, in that is indeed a sign for a people who understand. (Quran 25:48) Hadiths: The Prophet (saw) himself practiced Salat al-Istisqa' during times of drought. Narrations from the Sahaba (RA) provide details about his actions: Ibn 'Abbas (RA) narrated a hadith describing the Prophet's (saw) practice of Salat al-Istisqa'. He (saw) would go out wearing simple clothes, walk humbly and supplicate to Allah (SWT) until reaching the prayer location. There, he would deliver a short sermon and then pray two rak'ahs similar to Eid prayers [Sahih Muslim]. Anas (RA) narrated that when rain began while they were performing Salat al-Istisqa' with the Prophet (saw), he (saw) spread his cloak until it became wet from the rain. When asked about this action, the Prophet (saw) replied, For it (the rain) has just come from its Lord, the Most High [Sahih Muslim]. These hadiths establish the practice of Salat al-Istisqa' and the Prophet's (saw) response upon witnessing rain - expressing gratitude to Allah (SWT). Scholars' Opinions: There is scholarly consensus among Islamic jurists that Salat al-Istisqa' is a Sunnah practice recommended during droughts. The Ruling on Rain During Salat al-Istisqa' Rain during Salat al-Istisqa' is not a sign of the prayer's rejection or invalidation. It is, rather, a beautiful and immediate response from Allah (SWT) to the supplications being made. Here's a breakdown of the ruling: Interrupting the Prayer: When rain starts falling during Salat al-Istisqa', the prayer is interrupted with taslim (salutations) at the end of the current rak'ah. This is because acknowledging Allah's (SWT) blessings and expressing gratitude takes precedence over completing the prayer. Expressing Gratitude: Upon witnessing rain, Muslims should immediately turn to thanks and supplication. The Prophet's (saw) action of spreading his cloak in the rain (Hadith 2) exemplifies this response. Muslims can recite specific supplications mentioned in the Sunnah, such as: O Allah! make it a beneficial rain, a flowing rain, a plentiful rain.[Sahih al-Bukhari] Continued Supplication: While the prayer itself is interrupted, the objective of seeking rain persists. Supplications for a beneficial downpour continue outside of prayer. This is because rain can vary in intensity and duration. The ideal scenario is a moderate and sustained rainfall that replenishes the earth. Light Rain vs. Downpour: A distinction can be made between witnessing light rain and a heavy downpour. In the case of light rain, continued supplication focuses on seeking a beneficial and sufficient amount. If, however, a heavy downpour occurs, supplications might shift towards seeking protection from excessive rain, which can sometimes be destructive. This nuanced approach to supplication during and after Salat al-Istisqa' reflects the Islamic emphasis on acknowledging Allah's (SWT) blessings while continuing to seek His guidance and provision. FAQs on Rain During Salat al-Istisqa' What if I miss the congregational Salat al-Istisqa' due to rain? Salat al-Istisqa' is not an obligatory prayer upon seeing rain. Missing the congregational performance does not necessitate any make-up action. One should prioritize seeking shelter from the rain and individually supplicating to Allah (SWT) for beneficial rainfall. What about seeking protection from destructive rainfall? In instances of severe or destructive rainfall, Muslims may turn their supplications towards seeking Allah's (SWT) protection from harm while still acknowledging Him as the source of all provision and the One who possesses power over the elements. Specific supplications for protection from excessive rain have been narrated from the Prophet (saw). Conclusion The commencement of rain during Salat al-Istisqa' brings forth a beautiful interplay between supplication and response. The prayer is interrupted, not invalidated, to express gratitude to Allah (SWT). Understanding the rulings and underlying spirit of this tradition deepens a Muslim's appreciation of rain - a vital blessing that showcases Allah's (SWT) mercy, power and responsiveness to sincere supplications. Islam reminds us that Allah (SWT) hears and responds to prayers in ways that are best for His creation. Even in situations of drought, where the urgency for rain is felt deeply, the start of rainfall during Salat al-Istisqa' brings not only relief but also a profound reminder to acknowledge blessings, remain steadfast in supplication and continuously recognize Allah's (SWT) infinite wisdom and boundless mercy.