Section III: How to Pray for Rain
Firstly: Number of units of the prayer for rain
The prayer for rain consists of two units. This is the position of the majority: the Malikis, Shafi`is, and Hanbalis.
Secondly: How to offer the two units of the prayer for rain
The prayer for rain is two units. One says, "Allahu Akbar" seven times in the first and five times in the second. This is the position of the Shafi`i and Hanbali schools and some of the Salaf. Dawud reached this conclusion as well. It is the position of choice of Ibn Baz and Ibn `Uthaymin.
Thirdly: Reciting out loud during the prayer for rain
The sunnah is to recite out loud during the prayer for rain. This is the position of the majority: the Malikis, Shafi`is, and Hanbalis.