According to a royal decree issued by the Saudi Royal Court, the call comes in the spirit of the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — to collectively turn to God in repentance and prayer when rain is withheld.
The royal statement emphasized that people should increase in repentance and seeking forgiveness, turn sincerely to Allah, engage in righteous deeds, charity, and remembrance, and strive to ease the hardships of others, so that Allah may bestow His mercy, blessings, and abundant rain upon us.
The official platform Inside the Haramain reported that Sheikh Yasir Al-Dosari will lead the Salat al-Istisqa and deliver the sermon at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah this Thursday.
The move follows similar observances in neighboring Gulf states. In Kuwait, Salat al-Istisqa was held on November 8 across 125 mosques, while in the United Arab Emirates, President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed had earlier called for the prayer on October 17, preceding Friday congregations.
The collective appeal across the region underscores a deep-rooted tradition of faith and humility, a reminder that even in an era of technology and progress, the hearts of believers still turn skyward when the land runs dry.
