Saudi King Calls for Nationwide Rain Prayer Amid Drought Conditions
The Royal Court of Saudi Arabia on Monday issued a statement announcing that King Salman bin Abdulaziz has called on residents across the kingdom to perform the rain-seeking prayer (Salat al-Istisqa) on Thursday.
The statement urged the public to engage in worship, supplication, seeking forgiveness, giving charity, and remembrance of God in an effort to end the drought and receive divine mercy. The call comes as parts of Saudi Arabia are facing water shortages and decreased rainfall.
According to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Royal Court emphasized the importance of humility, nighttime prayers, and persistent supplication to express human need before God, who favors and responds to the prayers of the faithful.
The statement also included a plea for divine mercy and blessings to be bestowed upon the people and the land of Saudi Arabia, asking that whatever is sent by God be a source of prosperity and goodwill. Salat al-Istisqa has a longstanding tradition in the Islamic world, particularly performed on dry and barren lands as a religious practice.
