As Karachi endures extreme heat, the city’s residents have turned to prayers for relief, specifically the Salat al-Istisqa, the Islamic prayer for rain. This prayer, known in Arabic as Istisqa, can be performed in three ways: simply supplicating for rain, offering voluntary prayers followed by supplication, or conducting a congregational prayer in an open field followed by a sermon and supplication, and the symbolic act of turning one’s cloak inside out. All these methods are derived from the practices of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Salat al-Istisqa is traditionally performed for three consecutive days.
Origin of Salat al-Istisqa
Salat al-Istisqa originated during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Companions of the Prophet performed this prayer with him during times of drought, seeking Allah’s mercy and rain. The purpose of this prayer is to ask for Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and rain.
Detailed Procedure of Salat al-Istisqa
- Announcement and Preparation
- Announcement: The Imam or local scholars announce the Salat al-Istisqa.
- Fasting: People are encouraged to fast before the prayer.
- Location and Timing
- Location: The prayer is usually performed in an open field (Eidgah) or a mosque.
- Timing: There is no specific time for this prayer; it can be performed at any time when drought is experienced.
- Intention
- Intention: Make the intention to perform Salat al-Istisqa.
- Method of Prayer
- Rakat: Salat al-Istisqa consists of two rakats, performed similarly to the Eid prayer.
- Adhan and Iqamah: There is no adhan (call to prayer) or iqamah (second call) for Salat al-Istisqa.
- Takbirat: In the first rakat, after the opening takbir (Takbir Tahrima), say seven additional takbirs. In the second rakat, say five takbirs after standing up.
- Recitation: It is recommended to recite Surah Al-Fatihah followed by Surah Al-A’la in the first rakat and Surah Al-Fatihah followed by Surah Al-Ghashiyah in the second rakat.
- Sermon
- Sermon: After the prayer, the Imam delivers two sermons, exhorting people to magnify Allah, seek forgiveness, and pray for rain.
- Repentance and Forgiveness: Encourage people to seek forgiveness for their sins and repent.
- Supplication
- Supplication: After the sermon, the Imam and the congregation supplicate to Allah for rain.
- Cloak Turning: In some traditions, during the supplication, the Imam and the congregation turn their cloaks inside out and face the Qiblah (direction of the Kaaba) while praying.
Historical Practices
According to a narration by Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) led Salat al-Istisqa with two rakats without adhan or iqamah, followed by a sermon and supplication for rain. The second Caliph, Umar ibn Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), also performed Salat al-Istisqa during his rule.
Detailed Supplications
Prayers after Salat al-Istisqa include:
- اللَّهُمَّ أَغِثْنَا، اللَّهُمَّ أَغِثْنَا: “O Allah, grant us rain, O Allah, grant us rain.”
- اللَّهُمَّ اسْقِنَا غَيْثًا مُغِيثًا مَرِيئًا مَرِيعًا نَافِعًا غَيْرَ ضَارٍّ، عَاجِلًا غَيْرَ آجِلٍ: “O Allah, provide us with beneficial rain, which brings no harm, swiftly and without delay.”
Conclusion
Salat al-Istisqa is a significant Sunnah that reminds Muslims of Allah’s mercy and the importance of seeking His help in all circumstances. It serves to turn believers back to Allah, express their humility, and seek His forgiveness and mercy.
