King Salman calls for nationwide prayer for rain in Saudi Arabia

Worshippers across Saudi Arabia have performed the Prayer of Seeking Rain (Salat al-Istisqa) yesterday, following a call from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. King Salman had appealed to Muslims in the country to participate in this prayer, stating, "In this case, whoever can pray should definitely do so," according to Sabq.

The Royal Court issued a statement announcing the King's call for the prayer. The statement included a supplication: "We ask God, the Exalted in Might, to have mercy on the land and the people, to respond to His servants' supplication, and to make what He sends down a mercy for them and a provision for a time. Indeed, He is Hearing and Responsive," as reported by Al-Masry Al-Youm.

It also called for increased repentance, forgiveness, and voluntary acts of worship, expressing hope that God would relieve their distress, as per Sabq.

The term 'Istisqa' means asking for water and refers to the request for rain from God when there is a need for it. The prayer consists of two rak'ahs, similar to the Eid prayer. In the first rak'ah, worshippers perform seven takbirs, followed by the recitation of Al-Fatiha and then Surah Al-A'la. In the second rak'ah, there are five takbirs, followed by Al-Fatiha and Surah Al-Ghashiyah recited aloud. After completing the prayer, the imam delivers a single sermon to the congregation.

The practice of seeking rain through prayer is deeply embedded in Islamic tradition. Muslims have performed the Istisqa prayer during times of drought.

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq