UAE mosques to host special rain prayers today: All you need to know

Dubai - The special prayer will be offered 10 minutes before the Friday prayer.

By Web Report

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Published: Fri 18 Dec 2020, 6:14 AM

Last updated: Fri 18 Dec 2020, 7:09 AM

Mosques across the UAE will host special rain prayers called Salaat Al Istisqaa on Friday, December 18. The special prayer will be offered 10 minutes before the Friday prayer.

This comes as per directives by the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.


Such prayers used to be offered by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions.

President Sheikh Khalifa called on residents to pray for "rain, mercy and abundance upon the country and its people".


Friday prayers resumed across the country on December 4, with mosques hosting 30 per cent of their total capacity.

Timings across emirates

The timings of the prayer across the emirates:

>> Abu Dhabi: 12:12pm

>> Dubai: 12:09pm

>> Sharjah: 12:08pm

>> Ajman: 12:08pm

>> UAQ: 12:07pm

>> RAK: 12:06pm

>> Fujairah: 12.04pm

>> Khor Fakkan: 12:04pm

>> Al Ain: 12:07pm

>> Al Dhafra: 12:15pm

800 Dubai mosques to host prayers

Around 800 mosques and musallahs in Dubai are set to host special rain prayers this Friday, the emirate's Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) announced on Tuesday. To be offered 10 minutes before Juma, the special prayer is performed by Muslims around the world requesting Almighty God for the blessing of rain.

Al Istisqa, as the prayer is called, literally means to “seek rain”. Technically, in Islamic Shariah, it means to appeal for rain from Allah in situations of drought. A specific method is applied for this supplication, and it will be held in keeping with the tradition that Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and his companions had started.

Dr Hamad Al Sheikh Ahmed Al Shaibani, director-general of IACAD, urged all able Muslims to offer the rain prayer, in accordance with the Sunnah.

How to offer

The Salaat Al Istisqaa will be offered 10 minutes before the Friday prayers.

An Imam in Dubai has explained to Khaleej Times how to offer the prayers:

>> There will be no Azaan or Iqaamah (calls for prayer)

>> The characteristics of Salaat Al Istisqaa is similar to that of Eid prayers. It is a two-rakah prayer, in which the Holy Quran is recited aloud.

>> The Imam will begin with Takbeeratul Ihram (movements to initiate a prayer), which will be followed by six or seven others.

>> He will then recite the Quran chapter called Fatiha, followed by any other. The rest of the rakah is done as usual.

>> In the second rakah, six Takbeers are pronounced.

>> After the prayer, the Imam will get up and deliver two sermons.

>> He then turns towards the Qiblah and leads the worshippers in a congregational supplication (dua).

ALSO READ: Friday prayers in UAE: Mosques receive worshippers after 8 months

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KT file photo by Shihab
KT file photo by Shihab

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