What is the method for the Prayer for Rain (Salat al-Istisqa), and when is its time?

The Salat al-Istisqa' (Prayer for Rain) is a confirmed Sunnah when people are in need of rain. It is recommended for the Imam to designate a day for it so that people can prepare themselves through fasting, repentance, and charity. Only men, boys, and elderly women should go out for it. It consists of two rak'ahs, without Adhan or Iqamah, and the recitation therein is audible. In the first rak'ah, Surat Al-Fatihah and Surat Al-A'la are recited, and in the second, Surat Al-Fatihah and Surat Al-Ghashiyah. Scholars have differed regarding the takbirat (saying "Allahu Akbar") in them: some view that they are like the takbirat of Eid prayer, while others believe it is like a voluntary prayer without extra takbirat. Its time is broad, and it is best to perform it during the forenoon (Duha) time. It should not be performed during times when prayer is forbidden. After the prayer, the Imam delivers a sermon, admonishes the people, and asks Allah for rain.