King Salman calls on citizens to join Istisqa prayer, uniting the Kingdom in a plea for rain/Representative Image

In a call resonant with faith and tradition, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has urged Muslims across Saudi Arabia to perform the Istisqa prayer on Thursday, 13 November. The prayer, deeply rooted in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), seeks divine mercy and rain during periods of dryness and water scarcity.

The Royal Court, in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, confirmed that King Salman’s directive follows the Prophetic practice of Salat al-Istisqa, performed in times of drought as an act of communal supplication. The King’s message emphasised that the prayer reflects both humility before God and collective hope for His mercy.He invited all citizens and residents to take part in the nationwide observance, uniting mosques across the Kingdom in a single purpose to seek rain and relief through faith, repentance, and good deeds.

King Salman’s message went beyond the ritual act itself. He urged the faithful to increase repentance and seek forgiveness, turning sincerely to God Almighty in prayer. He reminded people to engage in voluntary acts of worship, from offering charity to performing additional prayers, as a means of inviting divine favour.“The faithful should also strive to ease the burdens of people and alleviate their distress,” the King said, calling on society to embody compassion and generosity. “So that God may relieve our hardship and grant us what we hope for.”

Istisqa, literally “seeking water”, is an Islamic prayer performed when rain is scarce or drought persists. It is a communal plea for sustenance and mercy, performed outdoors or in mosques, symbolising both spiritual and physical need. Muslims offer this prayer as a reminder of their dependence on God’s provision and their duty to live with gratitude, humility, and service to others.Thursday’s Istisqa will see worshippers across Saudi Arabia gathering in unity of purpose. In his call, King Salman’s words echoed a deeper message that the nation’s strength lies in faith, solidarity, and compassion. Through prayer, repentance, and acts of kindness, the Kingdom seeks not only rain but renewal of hearts, communities, and divine grace.