Nation Gathers for ‘Salat-al-Istisqa’ to Pray for Rain and Divine Mercy

Salat-al-Istisqa

Responding to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s appeal, the nation united in offering Salat al-Istisqa (prayers for rain) on Friday, seeking Allah’s mercy to alleviate the ongoing dry spell.

The central congregation took place at the iconic Faisal Mosque in the Federal Capital, where a large number of worshippers, including families, religious leaders, and community representatives, gathered in solidarity.

The special prayers were offered immediately after the weekly Jummah (Friday) prayers, with clerics across the country urging the people to seek forgiveness and turn towards righteous deeds as a means of invoking Allah’s mercy.

The call to prayer was not only a spiritual response but also a symbol of the nation’s collective hope for relief from the environmental and health challenges caused by the lack of rain, particularly the smog that has blanketed major cities.

At the Faisal Mosque, the prayer leader addressed the congregation, emphasizing the importance of collective repentance and a return to moral righteousness. He reminded the worshippers of the spiritual significance of rain as a divine blessing.

“Rain is a mercy from Allah,” he stated, “and it is withheld when humanity strays from His path. We must correct our behavior, mend our treatment of the environment, and sincerely seek His mercy for relief.”

The leader’s message resonated with the attendees, many of whom were visibly emotional, with tears in their eyes as they prayed for divine intervention.

Ali Reza, a local resident, expressed his deep concern for the impact of the smog, particularly on vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. “The smog has made it difficult for people to breathe, especially the young and the old. I pray that Allah showers His blessings upon us and relieves us from this hardship,” he said, his voice reflecting the shared sentiment of those in attendance.

Kashif Khan, another participant, highlighted the spiritual and ethical lessons drawn from the experience. “This prayer isn’t just about rain,” he remarked, “it’s a reminder for all of us to reflect on our relationship with the Creator and our responsibilities as stewards of this Earth.

As a community, we need to be more mindful of our role in protecting the environment. Issues like deforestation and pollution are contributing to these calamities, and we must address them.”

Similar sentiments were shared by clerics nationwide, who linked the drought and smog to human neglect of the natural world.

In mosques across Pakistan, religious scholars urged the government and citizens alike to take action against climate change, conserve water, and promote tree planting as tangible steps toward addressing environmental crises.

They emphasized the role of each individual in safeguarding the environment, reminding everyone of their duty as stewards of Allah’s creation.

The unprecedented levels of smog in cities like Lahore and Karachi have already led to widespread respiratory illnesses and significant disruptions to daily life, with many viewing the prolonged dry spell as a wake-up call.

Scholars warned that the situation would only worsen if immediate steps were not taken to rectify the damage to the environment.

The Prime Minister’s call for Salat al-Istisqa fostered a sense of unity, bringing together people from all walks of life, regardless of their backgrounds, in a collective plea for divine mercy.

As the faithful returned to their homes, hope remained high that their prayers would be answered and that the skies would soon open, bringing the much-needed rain to quench the parched land and offer respite to the people.