UAE's Prayer Unites Thousands for Rain

Special Prayer for Rain in the UAE: Thousands Turned to Allah with Humility and Gratitude

On Friday, the United Arab Emirates united believers from all parts of the country for a special prayer. The Salat Al Istisqa, a prayer for rain, is an ancient Islamic tradition proclaimed when there has been a prolonged period without rainfall. This prayer was called at the request of the nation's president, who urged the population to turn to Allah with humility and gratitude, asking for rain and mercy for the country.

Presidential Appeal: Prayer for Rain, Compassion, and Gratitude

The appeal for the special prayer was made earlier this week at the initiative of the UAE president, who, following Islamic tradition, asked people to turn to Allah with repentance, humility, and hope, especially during periods of drought. The Awqaf Ministry announced that the prayer for rain would be held in every mosque where Friday prayers are usually performed.

For the faithful, participation was not only a religious duty but also a profound community and spiritual experience, during which they collectively turned to Allah, trusting that the joint prayer would be heard.

Early Arrival and Community Cohesion

In several districts of Sharjah, believers set out to the mosques much earlier than usual. At a mosque in Al Nahda, for example, they began the Friday prayer at 12:15 PM to allow time for the Salat Al Istisqa, officially timed for 12:45 PM nationwide. Those who finished the prayer earlier alerted new arrivals to stay for the special prayer.

One believer shared: "As soon as we finished the Friday prayer, we told those who arrived later not to go home because the Salat Al Istisqa was still to come. It was good to see people staying together and raising their hands to the sky, asking for rain."

Dubai Mosques Also Adjusted Timings

In several districts of Dubai, the prayer for rain was also held, with the usual schedule modified in some places. In certain mosques, the Istisqa prayer began at 12:40 PM, while the Friday prayer commenced only at 1:20 PM. The special prayer consisted of two rakahs, similar in format to the Eid prayer, with multiple takbirs and communal supplication.

After the prayer, the imam recited a long, moving dua, asking Allah for mercy and blessings upon the land and its people. During the nearly 15-minute dua, many raised their hands to the sky with tears, creating a unique atmosphere of devotion and solidarity.

Workplaces Allowed Participation

Many reported that their employers also supported them in reaching the mosques on time. A guest worker at a construction site mentioned their leader allowed them to leave the work area early to participate in the prayer. He and his colleagues arrived at the mosque at 12:30 PM to pray for rain, heeding the president’s call.

For them, too, the experience was special. During the dua after the prayer, they felt deep peace and were grateful to be part of such a community in a country whose development and prosperity are closely linked to the blessings of the natural environment.

Significance of Salat Al Istisqa in Islamic Tradition

The prayer for rain is an important spiritual tradition in Islamic culture, practiced since the Prophet's time when drought threatened the community. This prayer is not only for rain but also an expression of repentance, gratitude, and responsibility for the community. In such moments, believers pray not just for themselves, but for their entire society and environment.

The UAE president's initiative for the entire nation to turn to Allah holds powerful symbolism. It draws attention to environmental challenges while strengthening national identity built on shared values.

Impact of Communal Prayer Goes Beyond Asking for Rain

While the primary goal is indeed to gain rainfall, such prayers carry much deeper spiritual and social meanings. During such a communal event, the faithful reassess their relationship with nature, the Creator, each other, and society. People move together, breathe in rhythm, and collectively remind themselves that every success, development, and prosperity depends on divine grace.

Summary

The Salat Al Istisqa held in the UAE was not only a religious practice but also an example of community solidarity, humility, and hope. Thousands raised their hands in the mosques of Dubai and other emirates, asking Allah to bless the country with rain and mercy. Such events remind us of the profound significance of traditions and the active power of shared faith even in the modern world.

(Source of the article: Based on the exhortation of the President of the United Arab Emirates.)