Muslim Association in Britain Calls for Rain Prayer on Saturday at Mosques, Prayer Spaces and Open Areas
The Muslim Association in Britain has called on Muslims, imams, mosques and Islamic centres across the UK to dedicate Friday sermons and prayers on Friday, 31 July 2026, to supplications for rainfall, and to hold Salat al-Istisqa (the prayer for rain) on Saturday morning in mosques, prayer spaces and open areas wherever possible, amid the drought conditions and lack of rainfall affecting the country.
The association based its call on the Qur’anic verse “And it is He who sends down the rain after they had despaired and spreads His mercy. And He is the Protector, the Praiseworthy.” (Ash-Shuraa 42:28), stressing that rainfall is in the hands of Allah, and that among the greatest means of relieving hardship are repentance, seeking forgiveness, supplication and turning to Him, in accordance with the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
In its statement, the association emphasised that the appeal includes urging worshippers to persist in praying for rain during Friday sermons and prayers, in addition to holding Salat al-Istisqa at 10:00 am on Saturday in mosques, prayer spaces or open areas, depending on what is feasible in each local area. It prayed that Allah would send rain to the land and its people, and that the rainfall would be a source of mercy, blessing and goodness.
Reviving the Prophet’s Sunnah while combining prayer with practical responsibility
In an exclusive statement to Al-Arab in Britain, Sheikh Abdullah Abdul Samie, President of the Muslim Association in Britain, said that the call for Salat al-Istisqa comes as a way of reviving the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and responding to the exceptional weather conditions currently affecting the UK.
He stressed that Muslims combine turning to Allah through legitimate spiritual means with fulfilling their responsibility to preserve the blessings and resources that Allah has entrusted to humanity.
He added that the association views this occasion as an opportunity to strengthen shared responsibility towards the environment and natural resources. He noted that it is working in coordination with a number of British organisations and local councils to launch an awareness and media campaign encouraging water conservation and highlighting the importance of protecting water resources.
Abdul Samie explained that the initiative draws on Islamic principles that prohibit wastefulness and encourage the responsible use of resources, emphasising that protecting the environment and preserving water are collective responsibilities requiring cooperation between all members of society and its institutions.
Mosques as active partners in serving the community
Abdul Samie highlighted that mosques and Islamic centres have long been active partners in community initiatives that serve the public good. He said the upcoming campaign reflects Muslims’ commitment in Britain to making a positive contribution to addressing shared challenges and strengthening cooperation with various institutions for the benefit of all sections of British society.
The call comes as wide areas of Britain experience a significant decline in rainfall levels and continued pressure on water resources, amid growing official calls to reduce water consumption and limit waste.
The Muslim Association’s initiative combines a spiritual dimension with environmental awareness, reinforcing the message that Islamic teachings encourage taking practical steps, protecting resources and working collectively for the wellbeing of people and the environment.
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