King Salman calls on Saudis to offer rain prayer and seek divine mercy

In a nationwide call, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques has formally invited the citizens of Saudi Arabia to perform Salat al‑Istisqa on Thursday, corresponding to the 22nd of Jumada Al-Awwal 1447 AH.

The call was issued by the Royal Court of Saudi Arabia via a statement emphasizing the practice’s roots in the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

According to the statement, all able persons across the Kingdom are urged to gather in this voluntary act of worship to raise heartfelt supplication and draw closer to Allah.

The message highlights spiritual renewal, increased repentance, sincere seeking of forgiveness, kindness to others, and engagement in voluntary good deeds, including prayer, charity, and remembrance of Allah.

In the tradition of Salat al‑Istisqa, the faithful express their neediness and humility before God, asking Him with persistence and devotion.

The Royal Court’s statement reminds believers that the prayer is more than a ritual, it symbolizes unity and hope and encourages every individual to ease others’ hardships, with the belief that divine mercy will follow

It concludes with the supplication: "We ask Allah to have mercy on the land and its people, to answer the prayers of His servants, and to make whatever He sends down a mercy for them and a benefit for a time. Indeed, He is All-Hearing, All-Responsive."

This call follows past precedents in the Kingdom, where Salat al‑Istisqa has been prayed during periods of drought or when rainfall is sought as a blessing.