Prayers for rain performed across Saudi Arabia, Two holy mosques caretaker King Salman bin Abdulaziz, asked to perform Istiska prayers
The Saudi Arabian Royal Court announce on Monday carried by the Saudi Press Agency that Two holy mosques caretaker King Salman bin Abdulaziz, asked the people of Saudi Arabia (All Citizen & Expatriates) to perform Istiska prayers (rain-seeking Prayer) on Thursday.
Istiska Prayer also known as Salatul-Istiska, Which is a Sunnah or tradition of the Prophet, performed by Muslims in need of rain during droughts, Salatul-Istiska is recited in two rak'ats without Azan or Iqama - only the Qur'an is recited aloud in both rak'ats.
Istiska prayers are performed about 20 minutes after sunrise - at about the same time as the Eid prayers. However, if there is any obstacle, the prayer can be offered at any time during the Nawafil (optional prayer).
HOW TO PERFORM ISTISKA PRAYER
After starting the first takbeer [Allahu Akbar, Means Allah the Great] in the first rak'ah, the Imam then repeats it seven times. In the second rak'ah, takbeer is said five times, In each takbeer, the Imam raises his hand and praises Allah. He also prayed for the Prophet in the midst of every takbeer, After the prayer, the Imam gives a sermon in which he prays to God for forgiveness and recites verses from the Qur'an.
To end the khutbah of the rain prayer ceremony, the Imam faces the Kabbalah (towards the Holy Kaaba), turns his sheet inwards, and places it on the right, on the left, and vice versa.
Madinah, Istisqa prayer (rain-seeking Paryer)
Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Faisal, Deputy governor of Madinah performed prayer at the Prophet’s Mosque Madinah.
Riyadh, Istisqa prayer (rain-seeking Paryer)
The Istisqa prayer (rain-seeking Paryer) was performed at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque and was attended by Prince Faisal bin Bandar, governor of Riyadh.
Makkah, Istisqa prayer (rain-seeking Paryer)
Governor of Makkah Prince Khaled Al-Faisal performed the prayer in the Grand Mosque Makkah
The prayer was also performed in other regions around Saudi Arabia and attended by governors and senior officials.
In the sermons the preachers urged Muslims to pray to Allah Almighty for repentance and forgiveness, doing good and charitable deeds and beseeched for rainfall, The statement recalled that the performance of Istisqa prayers is a good imitation of the deeds of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).