Desperate for rain: Iraqis unite in prayer as drought threatens livelihoods

NEWSROOM — Across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, communities are coming together to perform Salat Al-Istisqa, the traditional Islamic prayer for rain, as the region struggles with one of its driest seasons in years. With rainfall far below average, the parched lands and dwindling water supplies have prompted spiritual gatherings in cities, towns, and rural areas, reflecting both faith and a desperate need for relief.

In Islam, Salat Al-Istisqa is a Sunnah prayer performed to seek rain from Allah during times of drought or water scarcity. This communal prayer involves two rak’ahs, or units of prayer, and is typically conducted in open areas, reflecting humility and the community’s dependence on divine mercy. The Prophet Mohammad established this practice, emphasizing sincere supplication and repentance to invoke Allah’s blessings for rainfall.

In Dhulouiya, south of Salah al-Din governorate, dozens gathered in open fields on Friday, responding to calls from mosque leaders and local media. After performing the rain prayer, many turned parts of their clothing inside out, symbolizing hope for a transformation from drought to abundance. Imam Abdul Basit Adham elaborated on the practice of Salat Al-Istisqa’, the prayer for rain, “This is a tradition established by Prophet Mohammad during times of drought. Today, we have come together to humbly ask God for mercy, rain, and relief for people, animals, and the land.”

Similar prayers were held in Anbar governorate, where large crowds of men, women, and children prayed in the open spaces of cities like Hit and Al-Qaim. “We are not just praying for ourselves but for everyone affected by this drought,” said Imam Abdul Hamid Mohammed, who led prayers at Al-Qaim’s community field. Residents described the dire situation caused by the rainfall shortage. “Without rain, everything suffers—the crops, the animals, and even our health,” said local resident Mohsen Aziz.

In Tal Afar, northwest of Nineveh, worshippers were met with a hopeful sign—heavy rain began falling during their prayers. “We prayed with sincerity for God’s mercy, and it feels like our plea was heard,” said Mahdi Mohammed, director of the Sunni Endowment in Tal Afar. “Rain is not just water; it is life.”

Rainfall is essential for Iraq, a country with predominantly arid and semi-arid regions, as it directly supports agriculture, replenishes water resources, and sustains ecosystems. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which provide 98% of Iraq’s surface water, rely on rainfall for their flow. Decreased precipitation exacerbates water scarcity, affecting crop yields and food security, and contributes to desertification and increased dust storms. Adequate rainfall is vital for maintaining the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring the availability of water for domestic and industrial use.

The Kurdistan Region has been equally affected by the dry season, with Erbil, Duhok, and Kirkuk experiencing severe rainfall shortages. Farmers in rain-dependent areas report struggling to plant crops or abandoning fields entirely. In the village of Shawez near Erbil, dozens gathered for rain prayers. “We raised our hands to God, asking for the rain we desperately need,” said Salim Omer, a participant. “This tradition has sustained us during tough times, and we remain hopeful.”

Thousands also participated in rain prayers in Erbil’s Koya, with local mosques calling people to gather. At the city’s stadium, religious leader Hashim Abdullah emphasized the importance of the ritual: “Islam teaches us to turn to God during times of drought, to plead and humble ourselves in prayer because water is the foundation of life. We pray not only for ourselves but for all creation.”

The lack of rain is already having tangible effects. Reports from farmers indicate significant delays in planting crops in rain-fed regions across Iraq and Kurdistan. In areas like Erbil’s plains, many agricultural lands remain barren, with farmers fearing a year of economic hardship. The annual rainy season, typically spanning October to May, has so far failed to provide the much-needed precipitation, raising concerns about water shortages, soil health, and the potential for rising food prices.

Elsewhere in Kurdistan, similar scenes unfolded in towns like Batel near Duhok’s Zakho district and Arabat in Sulaymaniyah governorate. Farmers, herders, and residents gathered to pray, aware of the impact the drought could have on their livelihoods. “Rain is essential for everything—from the crops we grow to the livestock we raise,” said a participant in Batel. “Without it, there is no life.”

The Iraqi Meteorological Organization provided good news on Saturday, forecasting much-needed rainfall across most regions of the country, with varying intensities and occasional heavy downpours in isolated areas. Additionally, nighttime snowfall is expected in northern regions, bringing relief to those impacted by the dry season.