Saudi worshippers pray for rain at the Grand Mosque in Makkah – in pictures

Saudi Arabia's King Salman directs worshippers to perform Salaat Al Istisqaa

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Worshippers performed salaat al istisqaa prayers on Thursday at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

Prayers for rain were requested by King Salman on Tuesday. Leaders in the Arabian Gulf often direct mosques to perform mass rain prayers at this time of year when expected rainfall is delayed.

Prince Khalid bin Faisal Al Saud, the governor of Makkah Province, joined the faithful at the mosque. Other mosques across Saudi Arabia also performed istisqaa prayers.

The prayer represents a good imitation of the deeds of Prophet Mohammed.