The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques calls for prayers for rain to be held next Thursday in the Kingdom
The Saudi Royal Court issued an official statement in which the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - may God protect him - called for the performance of the Istisqa’ prayer throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, the 24th of Sha’ban, 1447 AH, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar.
Royal Court statement and call for repentance
The royal call for rain was inspired by the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which encourages turning to God Almighty for rain when it is delayed. The statement issued by the Royal Court emphasized the importance of preparing for this great ritual by increasing repentance and seeking forgiveness, turning to God, and showing kindness to His servants. The statement also urged everyone to increase their voluntary acts of worship, such as giving charity, performing prayers, and reciting supplications, and to ease the burdens of God's servants and alleviate their distress, so that God may relieve our own burdens and grant us what we hope for.
The importance of the prayer for rain and its legal status
The prayer for rain (Istisqa) is a confirmed Sunnah in Islamic law, performed when drought occurs and rain ceases. It is a collective expression of dependence on God Almighty and a plea for His mercy in sending down rain that revives the earth and its inhabitants. This prayer holds great spiritual and social significance, as people gather in prayer halls and mosques with humble hearts, supplicating to the Creator, thus strengthening the bonds of unity and cohesion among members of the community and its leadership in obedience to the commands of Islamic law.
How to perform the prayer for rain (Istisqa) and its Sunnahs
The prayer for rain (Istisqa') consists of two rak'ahs, during which the imam recites aloud. It is usually performed at the time of the Eid prayer (approximately 15 minutes after sunrise). After the prayer, the imam delivers a sermon, admonishing the people and urging them to repent and abandon sins, as sins are one of the reasons for the withholding of rain. It is also recommended to turn one's cloak inside out during the sermon, as an act of optimism for a change from drought to abundance.
An invitation to everyone to perform the prayer
The statement concluded by urging all able citizens and residents to be diligent in performing this prayer, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and demonstrating their need and dependence on God, while being persistent in supplication, for God loves for His servants to supplicate to Him frequently and earnestly. We ask God, Exalted in Might, to have mercy on the land and its people, to answer the prayers of His servants, and to make what He sends down a mercy for them and a provision for a time.
