Zayd bin Aslam narrates from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) that he said: In the Year of al-Ramadah (the year of famine), Umar bin al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) sought rain through the means of Sayyiduna Abbas bin Abd al-Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with him), and made this supplication: 'Allahumma hadha ammu nabiyyika natawajjahu ilayka bihi, fasqina' (O Allah, this is the uncle of Your Prophet; through him we turn to You (taking him as a means), so give us rain). The narrator says: They had not yet left that place when Allah Almighty gave them rain. The narrator says: Then Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) addressed the people and said: "O people! Indeed, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) gave Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) the same standing that a son gives his father; he (peace and blessings be upon him) honoured and revered him and fulfilled his oaths. So, O people, you too follow the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) with regard to his uncle Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), and when any calamity befalls you, make him a means (wasilah) before Allah Almighty."