Is there one sermon for the prayer for rain, or two?

Question:
May Allah reward you. The questioner, Umm Anas, asks: Regarding the sermon for the prayer for rain, is it one sermon or two?

Answer:
The prayer for rain has one sermon. It is opened with praise of Allah and glorification of Him, the two testimonies of faith, and the invocation upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Some scholars say it is opened with the takbir, like the sermon for the festival. This is the school’s position: that it is opened with the takbir, like the sermon for the festival. Then he praises Allah and glorifies Him, recites the two testimonies, and invokes upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Then he supplicates, asking for rain and seeking rainfall. He supplicates for his father and strives in that. The congregation says “Ameen” to his supplication and raises their hands. He raises his hands in supplication during the sermon for the prayer for rain, and the congregation raises their hands and says “Ameen” to his supplication. Yes.