What is the ruling on the one who says, “Do not pray for rain, for the rain will not come down; seek forgiveness first”?

Question:
When the directive to pray for rain was issued for tomorrow, I heard someone say, “Do not pray for rain; there is no need for it, the rain will not come down. Seek forgiveness first.” Is this statement permissible? And what is the ruling on the one who says it?

Answer:
This is not permissible. This is despair. This is despair of the mercy of Allah, Mighty and Majestic. He must repent to Allah and not speak such words. Allah commanded us to make supplication and said: So even if the sins are many, we do not despair of the mercy of Allah, Mighty and Majestic, and we seek His forgiveness. As for saying, “Do not pray, just seek forgiveness,” this negates the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). The Messenger said, “Pray, seek forgiveness, make supplication, and give charity.” So we perform all these acts. Yes.