Istisqa’ in the Shariah means to supplicate to Allah Ta’ala in a special form for rainfall. This dua is in the form of Salaatul Istisqa’. The following conditions necessitate performance of Salaatul Istisqa’:
⚫ Severe drought – total cessation of rain.
⚫ Lack of other sources of water such as wells, dams, streams, rivers.
When the water supply is adequate for the needs of the people, Salaatul Istisqa’ should not be made. Before proceeding to perform Istisqa’, Taubah and Istighfaar are necessary. Huqooqul Ibaad (rights of people) which had been violated or not discharged, should be fulfilled. Prior to emerging for performing Istisqa’ in the fields on the outskirts of the town/city, it is Sunnat to fast for three days. Istisqa’ will be performed on the fourth day, i.e. after completing three consecutive days of fasting. During the three day period Sadqah should be given. This Sadqah should be given on each of the three days.
On the fourth day, all the males and children of the Muslim community together with their domesticated animals (sheep, goats, cattle, etc.) should go walking to the outskirts of the town. It is not permissible to take non-Muslims with them. The people should walk with humility, with lowered heads making Thikr. They should be dressed simply, not in the manner people dress for Eid occasions. Ibn Humaam (rahmatullah alayh) explaining the etiquettes and rules of Salaatul Istisqa’ said: “People should emerge (from their houses) for three days. More than three days have not been narrated (i.e. it is not the Sunnah). They should come out (from their homes) and walk humbly and with fear. They should be dressed in old garments. On each of the three consecutive days, they should give Sadqah after making Taubah.”
This Salaat will be performed in an open field on the outskirts of the town except in Makkah and Baitul Maqdis where it will be performed inside the Musjids.
Drought is the consequence of abundance of sins and flagrant transgression. It is a manifestation of the Wrath of Allah Ta’ala. Therefore, before performing Salaatul Istisqa’ it is essential to engage in a three day period of repentance (Taubah), charity (Sadqah) and fasting. The presence in the Salaat of unrepentant sinners and those who have not made amends for their acts of violation of the rights of others, and those who harbour animosity for Muslims, are impediments which prevent rainfall.
THE METHOD OF ISTISQA’
Istisqa’ is Dua for rain. It consists of two raka’ts which are performed in jamaa’t. There is neither Athaan nor Iqaamah. The Qiraa’t will be recited audibly by the Imaam. After the Salaat, two Khutbahs will be recited. Thereafter the Imaam will stand with hands raised, facing the Qiblah and implore Allah Ta’ala to send the rain. All present should also supplicate for rain.
While making dua for rain after the two Khutbahs, the Imaam should invert his shawl (turn the inside out). This process of Salaat and Dua should be repeated for three consecutive days.
Even if the rain falls on the first day, then too, the Salaah and Dua should continue for three days. The Salaat will then be an expression of shukr (gratitude).
ISTISQA’ AND REPENTANCE
A severe drought was ravaging the region of Lucknow in India. There was intense suffering. Livestock was perishing. Water for even drinking was available with great difficulty. The community assembled outside the city to petition Allah Ta’ala for rain. The essential conditions for Salaatul Istisqa’ were observed. Adults and children altogether supplicated to Allah Ta’ala for rain. The only answer from the Heaven was fiercer heat from the blazing sun and clearer skies. There were absolutely no signs of the drought abating.
The suffering of the people and animals worsened. Finally, a group of prostitutes came to the administrator of the region and said: “We know that our evil is the cause of the drought. We all are now suffering. Make the necessary arrangement for us to perform Salaatul Istisqa’. Institute measures to prevent any man from looking at us while we proceed towards the outskirts to petition Allah for rain. No man should accompany us.”
The administrator made the necessary Purdah arrangements. The group of prostitutes proceeded to the outskirts of the town. There, they poured out their hearts to Allah Ta’ala. They repented and pledged never to return to their evil ways. They acknowledged that they were the cause of the people’s suffering. They now cried with sincerity and humility to Allah Ta’ala. And while they were repenting and crying, the rain clouds gathered. The skies darkened and the Mercy of Allah came in torrents. Rain was falling on all sides. The drought was broken.
This action of the ‘prostitutes’ is what the Shariah recognizes as a valid Salaatul Istisqa’. The community of Lucknow had also performed Istisqa’. Numerous Ulama and Sulaha had participated. But the rain did not come. Yet Allah Ta’ala answered the cries of the ‘prostitutes’.
The effect of a maqbool (accepted) Istisqa’ is immediate rainfall. The presence of unrepentant sinners and flagrant transgressors prevents the procession of the Istisqa’ into the Court of Divine Acceptance. Since there was a group of prostitutes who had not yet repented when the community had performed Istisqa’, the rain was withheld. When they repented, their powerful repentance pierced the heavens and reached the Divine Court of Acceptance, hence the drought was broken.
Islam Reigns 