A light drizzle was observed during the Salat Al-Istisqa’ which was performed throughout Maldives due to drawn-out times of drought and low rainfall on Monday.

As such, many regions of the country especially southern regions had experienced light rainfall on Monday morning.

While the prayer seeking rains due to an elongated dry season was carried out in different regions of the country, the one held in the Masjid Al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaan Al-Auzam, more commonly known as the Islamic Center in capital city Malé was led by famous Islamic scholar Dr. Mohamed Iyaz.

Following the afternoon prayer, Dr. Iyaz had given a special sermon before beginning the Istisqa prayer.

The same was performed throughout the outlying atolls in the island’s biggest mosque. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs arranged for the prayer to be held, on Saturday.

During the sermon, Dr. Iyaz stated that the prayer comes with many benefits. As such, god Almighty’s blessings and provision will be showered upon those who pray Istisqa, revealed Dr. Iyaz.

“Allah increases his provisions because of this prayer, brings us rains, blesses our families and gives us fruit-bearing trees. His provisions increase by many with this prayer” said the religious scholar.

Salat Al-Istisqa’ is a prayer seeking rain from above which is performed due to sparse rainfall and is an emphatic Sunnah in Islam. It is observed when the people suffer from impenitent dry seasons, sparse rain and a lack of water. This prayer is observed worldwide by the Muslim communities.

The performance comes at a time there has been prevalent blistering hot weather across the country with temperatures forcing the people to mostly stay indoors. The Maldives has also gone months without rainfall since the dry season began.

There has also been observed a rise in wide spreading viral diseases in recent weeks. The number of patients diagnosed with chikungunya, dengue and the general flu have been skyrocketing, with hospitals even opening up vaccination centers for those who need it.