GEORGE TOWN: Penang will hold special prayers at all mosques for rainfall, in view of the drought sweeping the northern states and some parts of the country of late.
Beginning with a special Friday prayer sermon tomorrow, the state's religious authorities have instructed district mosques and suraus to conduct Salat Al-Istisqa’ (prayer for rain) at their convenient time.
State Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Malik Abul Kassim said the first mosque to hold the prayer will be Masjid Daerah Barat Daya at Teluk Kumbar, Bayan Lepas, at 8.30am on Monday.
"As we all know, the weather in Penang is going through a drought due to the El Nino effect for the past few months.
"In view of this, I have instructed the State Islamic Religious Affairs Department to order all mosques and suraus to hold the prayer so that Allah can invoke rain and bring us out from a looming disaster," he said in a statement today.
Malik also recommended all mosques to read out a special sermon and guide prepared by the state Mufti Department.
"I would like to urge all mosque committee members to carry out these prayers continuously according to your respective kariah's decision," he added.