Nationwide “rain prayer” to be held across Jordan Friday

Jordan’s Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs, and Holy Places has called on citizens to perform the rain prayer (Salat Al-Istisqa) this Friday across all governorates of the Kingdom.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry announced that Minister of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs, and Holy Places Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaileh has instructed directors of Awqaf, imams, and preachers nationwide to organize the prayer immediately after Friday prayers, on January 24.

The call for the prayer comes as Jordan is suffering from an underwhelming wet season this winter, with rainfall being very much below annual averages.

Salat al-Istisqa, or the prayer for rain, is a Sunnah practice in Islam performed during periods of drought or insufficient rainfall. The term "Istisqa" is derived from Arabic, meaning "to seek water." The prayer involves worshippers collectively supplicating to Allah for rain.

The practice of Salat al-Istisqa is rooted in the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, who performed this prayer on several occasions. It is typically conducted outdoors, similar to the Eid prayers, and consists of two rak'ahs (units of prayer).