The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called on mosques and other houses of worship across the nation to offer prayers for rain to help put out wildfires currently raging in California. CAIR urged American mosques to offer special Islamic prayers, called Salatul Istisqa, which the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be with him) traditionally offered during times of drought. In Salatul Istisqa, the Prophet would offer supplications as the Qur’an states: “O my people! Seek forgiveness of your Lord and turn to Him in repentance. He will send you from the sky abundant rain.” (Quran, 11:52)
“Americans of all faiths need to offer spiritual assistance to the courageous fire-fighters who are battling these deadly fires,” said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad. Awad also asked mosques in wildfire areas to offer shelter to fire victims and that financial aid for victims be sent to the American Red Cross.