ARAU: The Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, graced a special Al-Istisqa' prayer for rain, joined by nearly 1,000 state leaders and residents at the Dataran Istiadat, Istana Arau.
The Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs) said the Thursday (March 26), 8am prayer was also attended by the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, and the Second Heir to the Perlis throne, Syed Sirajuddin Areeb Putra Al-Haj Jamalullail.
MAIPs said the prayer was led, and the sermon delivered, by Deputy Director of Perlis Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIPs) Ahmad Sirajuddin Abdul Satar.
"The Al-Istisqa' prayer was held to seek rain from Allah SWT amid the current drought and scorching heat.
"Beyond seeking rain, the Al-Istisqa' prayer serves as a reminder for all Muslims to draw closer to Allah SWT, improve their deeds, and reflect on themselves, highlighting that every blessing, including rain, comes from His will," MAIPs said.
Meanwhile, MAIPs said the Al-Istisqa' du'a will be recited at mosques across Perlis during Friday sermons, following the Perlis State Mufti's text, starting Friday (March 27) until further notice from JAIPs.
"All residents of Perlis are urged to increase their du'a recitations, reflect on themselves, and seek forgiveness, so the state may be blessed with rain and protected from harm.
"Muslims in the state are also encouraged to pray for rain throughout the current long dry season and water shortage," MAIPs said.
Perlis had 523 open burning cases as of March 24, jumped from 162 in the same period last year.
The Perlis Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director, Senior Fire Officer I Wan Mohd Hamizi Wan Mohd Zin, said the rise in cases was partly due to hot weather and urged the public to avoid discarding cigarette butts and keep homes and farms clean.
Meanwhile, Perlis Meteorological Office director Nur Syarafina Shafi'e said the latest MetMalaysia update at 4pm on Wednesday (March 25) placed Perlis at Level 1 (yellow) alert. – Bernama
