Saudi King Calls for Nationwide Rain Prayers Across the Kingdom on Thursday, February 12
King Salman has directed all citizens and residents to perform the Islamic rain-seeking prayer this Thursday morning, following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
RIYADH, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has called for rain-seeking (Istisqa) prayers to be performed across Saudi Arabia on Thursday, February 12.
In a statement issued by the Royal Court, the monarch urged citizens and residents to observe the special congregational prayer in accordance with the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), seeking divine mercy and rainfall for the Kingdom, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The King also encouraged people to increase repentance, seek forgiveness, return to Allah, show kindness to others, and engage in voluntary acts of worship, including offering charity, performing additional prayers, and making supplications.
When and Where
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance announced that the prayer will be held in mosques across Saudi Arabia 15 minutes after sunrise on Thursday.
Sheikh Abdullah Awad Al Juhany will lead the Istisqa prayer at the Grand Mosque in Makkah at 7:08 AM, while Sheikh Thubaity will lead the prayer at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah at 7:12 AM.
How the Prayer is Performed
The Istisqa prayer consists of two rakats (units of prayer). It begins with seven takbirs (the utterance of “Allahu Akbar”) in the first rakah and six takbirs in the second. During the prayer, the imam commonly recites Surah Al-A’la in the first rakah and Surah Al-Ghashiyah in the second.
Why It Matters
Istisqa prayers are traditionally held across the Kingdom whenever rainfall is delayed or drought conditions arise. The practice serves as both a spiritual and humanitarian act, reminding the community of the value of natural resources and the importance of humility before Allah.
