Book 4: Prayer

‘Abdallah b. Zaid said God’s Messenger went out to the place of prayer and prayed for rain. When he faced the qibla he turned round his cloak, putting its right side on his left shoulder and its left side on his right shoulder, then made supplication to God. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

He said God’s Messenger prayed for rain wearing a khamisa* of his. He wanted to reverse it from top to bottom, but when it was too heavy he turned it round on his shoulders. * A black square robe with ornamented borders. Ahmad and Abu Dawud transmitted it.

‘Umair client of Abul Lahm said he saw the Prophet (ﷺ) praying for rain at Ahjar az-Zait1 near az-Zaura’,2 standing, making supplication, praying for rain and raising his hands in front of his face, but not lifting them above his head. 1. A part of Medina which is said to have got the name because of the black stones there which looked as if they had been smeared with oil. 2. A house in Medina. Abu Dawud transmitted it, and Tirmidhi and Nasa’i transmitted something similar.

Ibn 'Abbas said God’s Messenger went out (i.e. to pray for rain) wearing old clothes, with a humble and lowly manner, making petition. Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Nasa’i and Ibn Majah transmitted it.

'Amr b. Shu'aib, on his father’s authority, quoted his grandfather as saying that when the Prophet (ﷺ) prayed for rain he said, "O God, provide water for Thy servants and Thy cattle, display Thy mercy and give life to Thy dead land.” Malik and Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Jabir said he saw God’s Messenger raising his hands in supplication. Then he said, “O God, give us rain which will replenish us, abundant, fertilising and profitable, not injurious, granting it now without delay.” He said that thereupon the sky became overcast. Abu Dawud transmitted it.