Istisqa prayers to be held in Nairobi amid prolonged dry spell

In response to the prolonged dry spell which has affected many parts of the country, Muslims will tomorrow converge to seek divine mercy and offer the prayer for rain, Salatul Istisqa.

The prayers organised by Masjid Salaam will be held at the MOW Sports Club in South C, Nairobi on Sunday February 15.

It is the part of the tradition of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, during times of drought to seek divine mercy and offer the prayers for rain. The ritual is a spiritual means of invoking rain and is often performed collectively when rainfall is delayed, reflecting a broader religious approach to coping with environmental hardship.

“We call upon Muslims to come turn up in large numbers and attend the prayers,” said Sheikh Muhammad Sagana, the mosque administrator. The prayers will be held from 8.00 am.

A similar prayer was held today at the Sir Ali Muslim grounds, Nairobi organized by Da’wah Centre.

The Istisqa prayer is typically held in an open area.The Istisqa prayer consists of two rakats (units of prayer). The Imam leads the prayer which is not preceded by the adhan or iqamah.

It begins with seven takbirs (the utterance of “Allahu Akbar”) in the first rakah and six takbirs in the second.

After completing the salah, the imam delivers a sermon that emphasizes istighfar (seeking forgiveness) followed by a dua (supplication), asking Allah to bless the land with rain and mercy.

A key, unique action is for the Imam and worshippers to turn their cloaks, jackets, or robes inside out (or reverse them) during the final, intense dua, symbolizing a hope for a reversal of the drought.

Salatul Istisqa is traditionally observed whenever rainfall is delayed or drought conditions arise. Beyond its spiritual significance, the practice serves as a reminder of the value of natural resources and the importance of humility, repentance, and communal solidarity in times of environmental hardship.