Hisham bin Ishaq narrates from his father: An amir sent me to Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) so that I could ask him about the prayer of Istisqa (prayer for rain). Harun and Yusuf, the narrators, have reported these words: so that I could ask him about the prayer offered for supplicating for rain. Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: "Why did he not ask me himself?" (Then he explained) The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) went out (to the prayer ground) in a state of humility and submissiveness, weeping and imploring, and he performed two rak'ahs in the same manner as he would perform the Eid prayer. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not deliver a sermon as you people do.

Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) raised his hands only while supplicating for rain, and during the supplication he raised his hands so much that the whiteness of his armpits became visible. With another chain of narration, these words are transmitted: Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) never raised his hands while supplicating, except when supplicating for rain, and he raised his hands so much that the whiteness of his armpits became visible.