Rainfall is a great mercy from Allah (SWT). It nourishes the earth, revives lives and fulfils our needs. If it does not rain, farming cannot be done, and crops will not grow. Actually, without rain, there would be no life on Earth. Rainfall is such a significant thing that Allah (SWT) mentioned the topic of rain throughout the holy Quran. Allah (SWT) says in the eleventh verse of Surah Az-Zukhruf, “And He who sends down (from time to time) water from the sky in due measure, and We raise to life therewith a land that is dead. Even so, will you be raised (from the dead).”

Without fresh and drinkable water, our lives are impossible. Nearly 97 per cent of Earth’s water is salty and undrinkable, while rainwater is often safe and drinkable. Many communities around the world rely on rain as their main source of drinking water. Allah (SWT) described rain as a great sign and the main source of fresh and drinkable water, supporting both our crops and food supplies. Allah (SWT) says, “Allah is He who sends down rain from the sky; from it is drink and from it is foliage in which you pasture [animals]. With it (rain) He grows for you crops, olives, date palms, vines and all kinds of fruit. Indeed, in that is a sign for a people who give thought.” (Sura An-Nahl: 10-11). Allah (SWT) also says that rain gives life to dead lands: “We send down pure water from the sky. That with it we may give life to a dead land, and slake the thirst of things we have created, cattle and men in great numbers.” (Sura Al-Furqan: 48-49).

It is mentioned in the Quran that rainwater is not only drinkable but also pure and purifying. It can be used for ritual purification from both major and minor impurities. Allah (SWT) says, “Remember when He overwhelmed you with drowsiness, giving security from Him, and He sent down upon you from the sky rain by which to purify you and remove from you the evil suggestions of Satan, and to make steadfast your hearts, and plant firmly thereby your feet.” (Sura Al-Anfal: 11). The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) also highlighted rainfall as a great mercy and used to say, “We are given rain by Allah’s mercy, providence, and grace.” (Sahih Bukhari).

When it does not rain and lands become parched, Muslims should turn to Allah through making Duwa (supplication) and perform Salat Al-Istisqa (prayer for rain). The Messenger of Allah taught us a special Duwa that we can make when it does not rain. The Duwa is ‘Allahumma asqinaa, Allahumma asqinaa (O Allah! Bless us with rain! O Allah! Bless us with rain!).” Anas Ibn Malik (Ra) said, “On a Friday, a person entered the main mosque through the gate facing the pulpit while Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) was delivering the sermon. The man stood in front of Allah’s Apostle and said, ‘O Allah’s Messenger (PBUH)! The livestock are dying and the roads are cut off, so please pray to Allah for rain.’” Anas added, “Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) raised both his hands and said, ‘Allahumma asqinaa, Allahumma asqinaa.’” He further added, “By Allah, we could not see any trace of cloud in the sky and there was no building or a house between us and (the mountains of) Sila. A heavy cloud like a shield appeared from behind it. When it came in the middle of the sky, it spread and then rained. By Allah! We could not see the sun for a week...” (Sahih Bukhari).

It was the common practice of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) to recite this beautiful Duwa during rain. The Messenger of Allah used to say, “Allahumma Soyeban Nafi’ah” (May Allah grant us beneficial rain). (Snan Nasayee).

It is Mutahab to expose oneself to the rain and let some of it flow over his body. It is a matter of sorrow that many Muslims do not know that it is a great Sunnah to stand in the rain and to expose a portion of the body to it. Anas Ibn Malik (Ra) narrated, “It rained upon us as we were with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) unveiled his garment (from a part of his body) until the rain fell on him. We said, ‘Messenger of Allah, why did you do this?’ He replied, ‘Because it (the rainfall) has come from the Almighty Allah.’” (Sahih Muslim).

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) taught us a specific Duwa that can be recited during intense rain. If the rain doesn’t seem to stop, we can recite the Duwa, “Allahumma hawalayna wa laa 'alayna... (O Allah, let the rain fall around us and not upon us…)”. (Sahih Bukhari).

The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged us to make Duwa when it rains. Therefore, it is one of the best times to make Duwa when it rains. Sahl Ibn Sa’s (Ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said, “Two prayers (Duwa) that are not rejected: the Duwa when the call to prayer (Azan) is made and the Duwa made when it rains.” (Mustadrak Hakim).

_______________________________________

The writer is Khatib of Baitus Shafiq Mosque and principal of Baitul Hikmah Academy, Gazipur