UAE President Urges Citizens and Residents to Perform Special Rain Prayer 30 Minutes Before Friday Prayers on October 9.
Dubai: Mosques throughout the UAE will hold a special Islamic prayer known as Salat Al Istisqaa on Friday, October 9, seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings through rainfall. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has encouraged citizens and residents to participate in the prayer, which will take place approximately 30 minutes before the regular Friday congregational prayers.
In Dubai, the special prayer is scheduled to begin at 12:15pm, while mosques in Sharjah will observe it at 11:38am, ahead of the weekly Jumuah prayers.
Why Is Salat Al Istisqaa Performed?
According to the UAE Fatwa Council, Salat Al Istisqaa is a special prayer offered by Muslims during periods of insufficient or delayed rainfall. It provides an opportunity for worshippers to seek Allah’s compassion, strengthen their spiritual connection and demonstrate humility through sincere repentance and heartfelt supplication.
During the prayer, worshippers collectively ask Allah to bless the country with beneficial rainfall, protect its people and preserve the UAE’s peace, prosperity and continued development. They also pray for abundant blessings, fertile land and the wellbeing of the wider community.
The prayer encourages Muslims to reflect on their faith, seek forgiveness for their shortcomings and turn towards Allah with sincerity and devotion. It serves as a reminder of divine mercy and the importance of maintaining a strong spiritual connection through worship and submission.
Following the Teachings of Prophet Mohammed
The practice of Salat Al Istisqaa is rooted in Islamic tradition and follows the example of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), who encouraged Muslims to seek Allah’s blessings through prayer during times of drought or delayed rainfall.
By observing this prayer, Muslims continue a longstanding religious practice that highlights the importance of faith, patience, gratitude and reliance on Allah during challenging environmental conditions.
The occasion also encourages worshippers to appreciate the blessings they receive, particularly water, which is essential for human survival, agriculture, environmental sustainability and the overall wellbeing of society.
Importance of Water Conservation
Beyond its spiritual significance, Salat Al Istisqaa also serves as a reminder of the responsibility to protect and conserve natural resources.
The prayer highlights the value of water and encourages individuals and communities to adopt responsible consumption habits, prevent unnecessary wastage and support sustainable resource management.
Using water efficiently and preserving natural resources are meaningful ways of expressing gratitude for this essential blessing while ensuring its availability for future generations.
Through collective prayer, reflection and environmental awareness, Salat Al Istisqaa brings communities together in a shared appeal for rainfall, mercy and continued prosperity across the UAE.
