The **Salat al-Istisqa** (Prayer of Seeking Rain) is a special prayer performed by Muslims when there is a drought or when they are in need of rain. It is a way of asking Allah for mercy and to provide the community with rain. The prayer can be performed individually or in congregation, and it is typically done after a period of drought, when the community feels the necessity for rain.
### Steps for Performing Salat al-Istisqa:
1. **Intention (Niyyah)**:
As with any prayer, the person performing Salat al-Istisqa should have the intention in their heart to seek rain from Allah. The intention does not need to be verbally stated, but it should be clear that the prayer is for the purpose of asking for rain.
2. **Time and Place**:
Salat al-Istisqa is usually performed after the regular obligatory prayers (like after Fajr or Zuhr) and ideally in an open area or a large gathering, such as a mosque courtyard or a field. It is not done in the usual prayer halls or inside homes.
3. **Number of Rak’ahs**:
The prayer consists of **two rak’ahs** (units of prayer), performed just like the regular prayer, with some specific differences.
4. **Method of Performing the Prayer**:
– **Rak’ah 1**: Start by saying **Allahu Akbar** to begin the prayer. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by any Surah (commonly Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, or Al-Nas) as you would in a regular prayer.
– **Rak’ah 2**: After the second bowing (ruku’), get up and complete the second rak’ah as usual. After completing the prayer, perform the **du’a (supplication)** for rain.
5. **The Special Dua**:
– After completing the two rak’ahs, the Imam or the one leading the prayer (if performed in congregation) raises their hands and makes a **du’a** (supplication) to Allah, asking for rain.
– A common du’a for rain is:
> “اللهم اسقنا غيثًا مغيثًا مريئًا مريعًا نافعًا غير ضار”
“Allahumma Asqina Ghaythan Mughithan Muree’an Muree’an Naafi’an Ghaira Daarr”
Translation: “O Allah, send us a rain that is beneficial, refreshing, and abundant, one that brings no harm.”
– It is also reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would raise his hands and say:
“اللهم اسقنا”
“Allahumma Asqina” (O Allah, send us rain).
6. **Facing the Qiblah**:
After the prayer, during the supplication for rain, the Imam should turn towards the **qiblah** (the direction of the Ka’bah in Mecca), and the people should also face the qiblah if possible.
7. **The Imam’s Clothing**:
It is reported that the Prophet (PBUH) would turn his cloak inside out as a symbolic gesture when praying for rain. This can be done by the Imam leading the prayer, although it is not obligatory.
8. **Fasting and Charity**:
Sometimes, before performing Salat al-Istisqa, the community may be advised to give charity or to fast as acts of devotion and repentance, seeking Allah’s mercy.
9. **Repentance and Hope**:
Before making the prayer, it’s recommended for the community to engage in acts of repentance (Tawbah) and ask for forgiveness from Allah for any sins that may have led to the drought.
### Other Notes:
– The **Salat al-Istisqa** can be prayed any time it is needed, but it is more commonly performed on Mondays and Thursdays.
– If the prayer is performed in congregation, the Imam should lead the prayer, but it can also be performed individually if needed.
– The prayer itself is simple, consisting of the two rak’ahs, but the important part is the sincere supplication and the hope and trust in Allah’s mercy to provide rain.
This prayer is an expression of humility and dependence on Allah, acknowledging that only He can provide what is needed for the community’s sustenance.