Can we make Du’a during rain ?

Praise be to Allah

Summary:

It is highly recommended to make du’a when it rains, as it is a time when Allah’s mercy is descending, and supplications are more likely to be accepted.

Detailed Answer:

Rain is a profound symbol of Allah’s mercy and bounty. It nourishes the earth, revitalizes life, and brings countless blessings. In Islam, the time of rainfall is considered an opportune moment for making du’a (supplication), as it is a time when prayers are more likely to be accepted.

1. Recommended Du’a During Rain:

When it begins to rain, it is Sunnah to say:

“اللَّهُمَّ صَيِّبًا نَافِعًا” (“Allahumma sayyiban nafi’an”), which means “O Allah, (make it) a beneficial rain.” This is based on the narration from ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), who reported that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would say this when he saw rain.

(Sahih Bukhari 1032)

Another version narrated by

  “اللَّهُمَّ صَيِّبًا هَنِيئًا” (“Allahumma sayyiban hani’an”), meaning “O Allah, (make it) a wholesome rain.”

(Abu Dawud 5099)

2. Exposing Oneself to Rain:

It is recommended to let the rain touch one’s body as an act of receiving Allah’s mercy directly.

Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that when it rained, the Prophet (ﷺ) would uncover part of his garment so that the rain could fall on him. When asked why, he replied, “Because it has just come from its Lord, may He be glorified and exalted.”

(Sahih Muslim 898)

3. Du’a When Rain Becomes Heavy:

If the rain becomes severe, it is Sunnah to seek relief by saying:

“اللَّهُمَّ حَوَالَيْنَا وَلاَ عَلَيْنَا، اللَّهُمَّ عَلَى الآكَامِ وَالظِّرَابِ، وَبُطُونِ الأَوْدِيَةِ، وَمَنَابِتِ الشَّجَرِ” (“Allahumma hawalayna wa la ‘alayna, Allahumma ‘ala al-akami wa’z-zirabi, wa butun al-awdiyah wa manabit ash-shajar”), which means “O Allah, (let the rain fall) around us and not upon us, O Allah, (let it fall on) the small mountains and hillocks, the valley bottoms, and places where trees grow.”

(Sahih Bukhari 1014)

4. Du’a When Hearing Thunder:

Although there is no specific du’a for seeing lightning, there is a prescribed du’a for hearing thunder.

Abdullah ibn az-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say when he heard thunder: “سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي يُسَبِّحُ الرَّعْدُ بِحَمْدِهِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ مِنْ خِيفَتِهِ” (“Subhan alladhi yusabbih ar-ra‘du bi hamdihi wa’l-malaikatu min khifatihi”), meaning “Glory be to the One whom the thunder glorifies and praises, and so do the angels because of His Awe” [cf. ar-Ra‘d 13:13].

(Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 723) and (Al-Muwatta 3641)

5. Du’a Acceptance During Rain:

Sahl ibn Sa’d reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Two supplications are not rejected, or seldom rejected: the supplication at the call to prayer and under the rain.”

(Sunan Abī Dāwūd 2540)

Conclusion:

Making du’a during rain is a practice deeply rooted in the Sunnah, reflecting the Prophet’s (ﷺ)  recognition of rain as a sign of Allah’s mercy. By making supplications during this blessed time, we align ourselves with a tradition that underscores gratitude, hope, and the seeking of Allah’s bountiful mercy.

And Allah knows best.