Question 319) - How will the Imam lead the people in the Salah?

A: The Imam and the people will walk to the outskirts of the city with humility. They will display meekness to Allaah and lower their heads. The imam will pray two Rak'at with loud Qira-ah. He will face the people and deliver two Khutbahs. He will invert his cloak during the Khutbah. He will make the top bottom and the bottom on top. He will bring the right edge to his left shoulder and vice-versa. The people will not invert their cloaks. He will then face the Qiblah after the Khutbah and engage in du'a. The people will sit facing the Qiblah, making du'a, seeking forgiveness and repenting. it is appropriate that Istisqa be made with the presence of the weak ones, old men, old ladies and children.

~ al-Quduri ~

Question 317) - What is done in Salatul Istisqa?

A: There is a Shar'i basis for the Salah but it is not Wajib. It is allowed to suffice on du'a and seeking forgiveness. Sometimes Rasulullaah (S.A.W.) prayed Istisqa and sometimes he did not pray it, but made du'a for rain whilst on the Mimbar for Jumu'ah. All that is established from him (S.A.W.)

~ al-Quduri ~