Namaz-e-Istisqa to be offered across Punjab on Nov 15

Lahore: It has been decided to offer ‘Istisqa’ prayer across Punjab on November 15 to pray for rain.

The Auqaf Department will organize the ‘Istisqa’ prayer across the province on Friday.

Istisqa prayer is offered for collective repentance, seeking forgiveness, and seeking rain of mercy.

According to the Auqaf Department, the province is in dire need of rain at this time, which will reduce the effects of smog. The region is facing the challenges of climate change.

Heavy fog and smog have engulfed the entire Punjab, including Lahore, for several days, due to which Lahore is ranked first among the most polluted cities in the world. Smog has affected the life system and the air quality has become extremely hazardous to health.

According to the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of rain with strong winds and thunderstorms in various districts. A series of low-level clouds will enter Pakistan from the west, which will bring light rain in most districts of Upper Punjab, but there is less chance of rain in Lahore and its surroundings.

It is pertinent to note that the meaning of Istisqa' is to ask for rain. This prayer is offered in the open field during times of drought and lack of rain, to humbly ask Allah for rain.

Before the Istisqa prayer, one should reflect on the situation that caused the rain to be stopped, confess the sins that led to this punishment, and make a firm resolve not to commit these sins in the future.