Nationwide Supplication Prayer for Rain Observed Across Mosques Tomorrow
The UAE will hold special prayers for rain across all mosques this Friday, following direct orders from President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The prayers, known as Istisqa in Islamic tradition, will take place 30 minutes before regular Friday prayers on October 17.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat announced that every mosque in the country will participate in this coordinated effort. The initiative follows the prophetic tradition of seeking divine intervention during times when communities need rainfall.
Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, head of the General Authority, praised the presidential directive as a way to revive prophetic traditions for the benefit of all people and creatures. He confirmed that preparations are complete, with mosque officials and imams instructed to prepare their facilities for worshippers and create an environment that promotes spiritual focus.
The UAE Council for Islamic Legal Rulings provided detailed guidance on how the prayer should be conducted. The ritual involves two prayer cycles followed by a sermon delivered without using a pulpit, staying true to traditional Islamic practice.
**Educational Campaign Launched**
The council launched several educational initiatives to help people understand the prayer's significance and proper execution. They released an instructional video explaining the prayer's rules and procedures, created in collaboration with the General Authority.
Social media campaigns across official platforms are sharing religious guidance and traditional supplications associated with rain prayers. The council also published a comprehensive guide in both Arabic and English, available through their mobile app and website.
This coordinated religious observance reflects the UAE's approach to maintaining Islamic traditions while ensuring widespread participation across the country's diverse population. The timing comes as many regions globally face varying weather patterns and water-related challenges.
The prayer tradition dates back to Prophet Muhammad's time and represents a spiritual response to environmental needs. Islamic scholars view it as both a religious duty and a community gathering that reinforces shared values during challenging times.
All seven emirates will participate simultaneously, making this one of the most coordinated religious observances in recent years. The initiative demonstrates how traditional Islamic practices continue to play a role in modern UAE society.
Sara Khaled