A Question about Supplication in the Manner Described

Question

While [people] were going to the istisqa’ prayer (prayer for rain), people of knowledge were also present at whatever was being done — that is, an ‘alim, a hafiz and a mufti were also present. These gentlemen said nothing to them about it, that is, they did not state the ruling of the Shari‘a. So what is [the status of] their remaining silent?

Answer

Ask that very ‘alim and mufti. It may be that they themselves were immersed in humility and submissiveness (khushu‘ and khudu‘) — heads bowed, eyes lowered, paying attention to nothing — or that the common people did not heed [them].

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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