The Saudi Royal Court issued a statement today announcing that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, has called for prayers for rain to be held throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia next Thursday. This noble call comes in accordance with the tradition of our Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and as an expression of our dependence on God Almighty, and a supplication for rain and mercy upon the land and its people.
The religious and historical context of the prayer for rain
The prayer for rain (Istisqa') is a well-established Islamic ritual and a confirmed Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who, along with his companions, would resort to it when rain was scarce and drought and famine struck. It is a special congregational prayer performed in an open space, in which Muslims humbly beseech their Creator, asking Him for rain and relief. The prayer consists of two rak'ahs (units of prayer) and a sermon in which the imam frequently supplicates and seeks forgiveness, urging people to repent and return to God, and to increase their charitable giving and good deeds, for in doing so they seek God's mercy, one of the greatest manifestations of which is the descent of rain that revives the earth after its death.
Local importance and its impact on society
The call to perform the prayer for rain (Istisqa) in the Kingdom holds profound religious and social significance. Due to its geographical location and desert environment, the Kingdom relies heavily on limited water resources, and rainfall is vital for replenishing groundwater, supporting the agricultural sector, and ensuring environmental sustainability. On a societal level, this call unites the hearts of citizens and residents in supplication to God, fostering a spirit of solidarity, compassion, and shared belonging. It also presents an opportunity to renew faith and connection with the Creator, reminding younger generations of their religious heritage and the importance of turning to God in times of hardship.
Regional and international dimensions
Although the call is directed to residents within the Kingdom, its echoes resonate throughout the Muslim world. Saudi Arabia, as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, represents the heart of the Muslim world, and its revival of this Sunnah inspires Muslims in other places facing similar climate challenges. This call comes at a time when the entire world, and the Middle East in particular, is facing increasing challenges related to climate change and water scarcity, making this spiritual event a global reminder of the importance of supplicating to God and working to preserve the blessing of water.
The Royal Court statement urged everyone to increase their repentance, seek forgiveness, and return to God Almighty, to be kind to His servants, and to increase their voluntary acts of worship, such as giving charity, performing prayers, and reciting supplications, and to relieve the distress of those in need, so that God may relieve our own distress and grant us what we hope for. Every able person should be diligent in performing the prayers, 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 for His servants to supplicate to Him frequently and persistently.
