Is the turning over (changing sides) of the outer garment (Rida') recommended during the supplication for rain, and is it for the Imam only?
Chapter on the Prayer for Rain (Istisqa)
Al-Mughni
Book of the Eclipse Prayers (Solar and Lunar)
Primary text
It is recommended to turn over the garment while facing the Qibla, based on the narration of Abdullah ibn Zayd. The specific method is to place the right side (At'af al-Ayman) onto the left shoulder, and the left side (At'af al-Aysar) onto the right shoulder. This turning is recommended for both the Imam and the followers according to the majority of scholars. The rationale is the auspicious omen associated with turning the garment, hoping that Allah will turn the drought into fertility.
Supporting text
Abu Hanifa argued that turning the garment is not recommended because it is supplication, and shifting the garment is not established for other forms of supplication. A view attributed to Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib, Urwah, Al-Thawri, Al-Layth, Abu Yusuf, and Muhammad ibn al-Hasan holds that turning the garment is exclusive to the Imam because it was narrated from the Prophet (peace be upon him) and not explicitly from his companions. This is rebutted by the principle that the Prophet's actions are established for others unless there is evidence of specific exclusion.