How many Takbirat (exclamations of 'Allahu Akbar') should be made in the two rak'ahs of Salat al-Istisqa?
Chapter on the Prayer for Rain (Istisqa)
Al-Mughni
Book of the Eclipse Prayers (Solar and Lunar)
Primary text
There is a difference of opinion regarding the number of Takbirat. One established narration holds that the prayer consists of two rak'ahs, with seven Takbirat in the first rak'ah (after the opening Takbir) and five in the second. This view is held by Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib, 'Umar ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz, Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn 'Amr ibn Hazm, Dawud, and Al-Shafi'i, based on the narration that the Prophet, peace be upon him, prayed two rak'ahs as he did in the Eid prayer.
Supporting text
A second narration states that the prayer is performed with two rak'ahs similar to a voluntary prayer (nawafil), with no mention of extra Takbirat. This is the madhhab of Malik, Al-Awza'i, Abu Thawr, and Ishaq, supported by the narration of 'Abdullah ibn Zayd where the Prophet, peace be upon him, prayed two rak'ahs and turned his cloak over. This is the apparent meaning in the view of Al-Kharqi. Regardless of how it is done, it is permissible and good.