If the people go out for the prayer for rain and it rains before the prayer, do they still perform the prayer for rain?

Question:
We say: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, if the people go out for the prayer for rain and the rain has fallen during their going out or before it, what do they do? Do they perform it as an act of gratitude and obedience to the one in authority?

Answer:
No, if the rain falls, the need is ended, so they do not go out. If it falls before they go out, they do not go out. Likewise, if it falls before they reach the prayer ground, they do not pray and do not proceed, because the objective has been achieved. However, if the rain falls during the sermon, they continue and complete it, because the rain fell while the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was delivering the sermon, until the rain was dripping, dripping from his beard (peace and blessings be upon him), and he continued until he finished. Yes.