اللَّهُمَّ اسْقِنَا غَيْثًا مُغِيثًا مَرِيئًا نَافِعًا غَيْرَ ضَارٍّ عَاجِلاً غَيْرَ آجِلٍ اللَّهُمَّ اسْقِ بِلاَدَكَ وَبَهَائِمَكَ وَانْشُرْ رَحْمَتَكَ وَأَحْيِ بِلاَدَكَ الْمَيِّتَةَ
O Allah, grant us refreshing, wholesome, beneficial rain that causes no harm, rain that is soon and not delayed. O Allah, water Your lands and Your animals, spread Your mercy, and revive Your barren lands.
Allahumma-sqina ghaythan mughithan mari'an nafi'an ghayra darri 'ajilan ghayra ajilin. Allahumma-sqi biladaka wa baha'imaka wanshur rahmtaka wa ahyi biladaka-l-maytata.
When to Read
This dua is specifically recited during times of drought or when the land is in need of rain. It can be recited individually or collectively by the community, often during a congregational prayer for rain (Salat al-Istisqa). It's also appropriate to make a similar supplication when rain is falling, to express gratitude and ask for it to be made beneficial.
How to Read
This supplication is best recited with sincerity and humility, raising one's hands as was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ during supplications for rain. It is also a practice to turn one's cloak inside out during Salat al-Istisqa, symbolizing a change in condition and seeking a change from Allah. Expressing gratitude for past blessings, including rainfall, is also a vital part of seeking more blessings.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking rain through supplication is a direct act of worship and reliance on Allah. It acknowledges His sovereignty over all creation, including the weather. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that sincere supplication can avert calamities and bring blessings. Expressing gratitude for rain, as the Quran states, increases Allah's favor upon us (Quran 14:7).
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Dinar: Ibn Umar said, "The people suffered from drought during the time of Allah's Messenger ﷺ. While the Prophet ﷺ was delivering a sermon, he said: 'O Allah, give us water.' (He repeated this three times.) 'O Allah, give us water.' (He repeated this three times.) 'O Allah, give us water.' (He repeated this three times.) He then said: 'O Allah, grant us pasture and rain, a wide and abundant rainfall which will not destroy the buildings, so that the people may use it for their sustenance.' He then turned himself to the Qiblah and stood for a while, and then turned his face to the people, raising his hands and said: 'O Allah, uncover Your protection from us, for we are those who have been punished.' He did not look towards the sky. He then turned his face to the people, raising his hands and said: 'O Allah, (send) the shade of the clouds, the trees and the pasture, and the abundance of the earth.' He then said: 'A man does not do this unless he is well-pleased with Allah.' Then Allah's Messenger ﷺ gave up raising his hands and turned round and faced the people and said: 'This is a sign of our approval of Allah.' So he turned round and faced the people, and he turned his cloak, and he prayed two rak'ahs." (Note: While this hadith describes the collective prayer and a slightly different wording, the sentiment of seeking rain and acknowledging Allah's power is the same. The supplication provided above is a well-established dua used in this context.)