The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques calls for the performance of the Istisqa prayer on Thursday, 24 Sha'ban 1447
The Saudi Royal Court issued an official statement announcing that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, has called for the performance of the Istisqa' prayer (prayer for rain) throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Thursday, the 24th of Sha'ban, 1447 AH, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar. This noble call comes in revival of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, when rain is delayed, and as a reaffirmation of the dependence of humankind upon their Creator in all circumstances.
Details of the Royal Court statement and the call for repentance
The royal statement included directives to citizens and residents to prepare for this great ritual by increasing their repentance, seeking forgiveness, and turning to God Almighty. The statement also urged everyone to be kind to others, alleviate the suffering of those in distress, and ease the burdens of those facing hardship, in addition to increasing their voluntary acts of worship, such as giving charity, performing prayers, and reciting supplications. This directive stems from the Islamic understanding that sins can be a cause of drought, and that acts of obedience and sincere repentance are keys to mercy and sustenance.
Prayer for rain: A Prophetic tradition and legitimate objectives
The prayer for rain (Istisqa') is a confirmed Sunnah (recommended practice) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It consists of two rak'ahs (units of prayer) like the Eid prayer, during which the imam recites aloud. Following the prayer, he delivers a sermon, admonishing the people and urging them to repent and fear God. Among the recommended practices during this prayer is turning one's cloak (or shemagh in Saudi dress) inside out, as an act of optimism for a change from drought to abundance, and from hardship to prosperity. This prayer embodies the meaning of complete submission to God, as people go out humbly and submissively, asking God for rain and mercy.
The historical and social depth of this ritual in the Kingdom
Since its founding by King Abdulaziz – may God have mercy on him – and subsequently by his sons, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has consistently called for the performance of the Istisqa' prayer (prayer for rain) on a regular basis whenever the country and its people are in need of rain. This ongoing practice reflects the state's adherence to Islamic law and the application of the Sunnah (practices) of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, in all aspects of life. This prayer also has a significant social impact, as people gather in prayer halls and mosques at the same time, their hearts turned towards God, thus strengthening national unity and the bonds of faith among members of society.
A call to be persistent in supplication
The statement concluded by emphasizing the importance of every able person performing the prayer, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and demonstrating their dependence on God Almighty, while being persistent in supplication; for God loves those who are persistent in supplication. We ask God, whose power is supreme, 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. He is the All-Hearing, the Responsive.
