Rain prayers held in UAE mosques on Friday

The Salaat Al Istisqaa prayers are held when rainfall is delayed

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Ryan Carter / The National

Rain prayers were held in UAE mosques on Friday.

On November 7, President Sheikh Khalifa said the prayers, known as Salaat Al Istisqaa, should be performed in all mosques across the country on November 12.

He asked people to pray to Allah to bless the nation with rain and mercy, in accordance with the Prophet Mohammed’s sunnah, 10 minutes before Friday prayers.

Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, performed prayer for rain at Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla Mosque, said Wam.

According to state news agency Wam the prayer timings across the Emirates were:

Abu Dhabi: 12 noon

Dubai: 11.56am

Sharjah: 11.55am

Ajman: 11.54am

Umm Al Quwain: 11.54am

Ras Al Khaimah: 11.53am

Fujairah: 11.51am

Khor Fakkan: 11.51am

Al Ain: 11.54am

Al Dhafra: 12.02pm

Salaat Al Istisqaa is observed in other Gulf countries as well.

When rainfall is delayed, the leader of a state must issue an order for the prayers to be performed, according to the sunnah of the Prophet Mohammed.

The official prayer is attended by the president or one of his officials.

Last year, the rain prayers were held on December 18.

Forecasters have said the start of the weekend will be fair and partly cloudy at times.

It will be humid at night and into Saturday morning, with a chance of mist in the west.

Winds will be light to moderate and conditions at sea will be slight in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Rain prayers held in the UAE - in pictures

Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, prays for rain at Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Wam

Sheikh Hazza bin Tahnoun, Under-Secretary of the Court of the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region, performs prayers on Tuesday, at the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed the First Mosque in Al Ain. Wam

Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, and Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, perform prayers for rain at Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi Mosque. Wam

Sheikh Salem bin AbdulRahman, Chairman of Sharjah Ruler's Office, leads salaat al istisqaa in Sharjah. Wam

Sheikh Salem bin AbdulRahman, Chairman of Sharjah Ruler's Office, leads salaat al istisqaa in Sharjah. Wam

Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, prays for rain at Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Wam

Men answer President Sheikh Khalifa's call to pray for rain in Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Wam

Major general Dr Mohammed Ahmed bin Fahd, Assistant of the Chief of Police for the Academy and Training, and Brig Dr Ghaith Al Suwaidi, Director of the Dubai Police academy, lead Dubai Police in prayers for rain at Khamis Mathar Al Mazeina Mosque. Courtesy Dubai Police

Dubai Police perform salaat al istisqaa at Khamis Mathar Al Mazeina Mosque. Courtesy Dubai Police