Saudi King Salman Calls for Nationwide Rain Prayers Amid Drought

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has called on citizens and residents across the Kingdom to perform special rain prayers in response to ongoing drought conditions affecting parts of the country. The announcement was published by the official Saudi Press Agency, citing a statement from the Royal Court.

According to the statement, the King urged the public to observe the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad by participating in Salat al-Istisqa (the prayer for rain), a traditional Islamic practice performed during periods of drought. The call emphasizes spiritual reflection and collective supplication as the nation seeks relief from the lack of rainfall.

The Royal Court’s message encouraged everyone living in the Kingdom to engage in sincere repentance, show kindness and compassion toward others, give charity, increase voluntary acts of worship, and remain committed to performing obligatory prayers. It also urged worshippers to be persistent in their prayers and supplications.

Rain prayers hold deep religious and cultural significance in Saudi Arabia and across the Muslim world. They are typically performed in congregation, where communities gather in open spaces or mosques to collectively pray for rainfall and divine mercy during times of environmental hardship.

The call comes as Saudi Arabia continues to face climatic challenges linked to arid conditions and shifting weather patterns. Authorities have not detailed the full extent of the drought’s impact but stressed the importance of unity, faith, and spiritual solidarity during this period.