How many sermons should be delivered by the Imam during the Istisqa prayer?
Chapter on the Prayer for Rain (Istisqa)
Al-Mughni
Book of the Eclipse Prayers (Solar and Lunar)
Primary text
The Imam may sit or choose not to sit after ascending the pulpit, as sitting was not definitively transmitted for this occasion, nor is there an established call to prayer (Adhan) requiring him to sit. The Imam should deliver a single sermon, commencing it with the Takbir (Allahu Akbar). This view is held by Abdurrahman ibn Mahdi.
Supporting text
Malik and Shafi'i hold that two sermons should be delivered, similar to the Eid prayers, based on the narration of Ibn Abbas stating the Prophet acted as he did during Eid. They argue that similarity in the Takbir and the form of the prayer implies similarity in the number of sermons. However, the correct view maintains that the Prophet did not deliver sermons structured like Eid sermons, but remained in supplication, humility, and Takbir without separating these actions with silence or sitting. Furthermore, no narrator transmitted two sermons, and the essence of the matter is supplicating Allah for rain, which is not affected by having two sermons. The sound report from Ibn Abbas indicates the Prophet prayed two rak'ahs, as he did in Eid.