Banjarmasin, S Kalimatan (ANTARA) - Istisqa prayer was performed simultaneously in various districts and cities in South Kalimantan, Thursday.
In Banjarbaru City, Mayor Muhammad Aditya Mufti Ariffin together with hundreds of employees of the city government prayed istisqa praying for the rain to fall in the city.
The worship that was held on Jalan Panglima Batur right in front of Banjarbaru City Hall, Thursday morning, was also attended by Deputy Mayor Wartono, City Secretary Said Abdullah, officials and hundreds of government employees.
The prayer led by ustadz Syihabuddin was full of devotion followed by sermons and prayer offered in the hope that rain will wet Banjarbaru City, which had not seen rain for two months.
"Istisqa prayer was recommended by the Great Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during dry season and the rain does not fall for a long time. So, it is hoped that through joint prayer the rain will soon fall on our city," said Aditya.
Banjar Regent Saidi Mansyur and Deputy Regent Said Idrus Al-Habsy together with thousands of worshippers performed Istisqa prayer begging Allah the Almighty for the rain to fall immediately.
The leader of the Tahfizul Quran Martapura Islamic Boarding School KH Muhammad Wildan Salman led the prayer at the Al Karomah Martapura Grand Mosque, Thursday morning.
"We all pray and ask for forgiveness and asking Allah the Almighty to send the rain immediately so that our area is free from forest and land fires and drought," said the regent after the prayer.
Governor of South Kalimantan was represented by Regional Secretary Roy Rizali Anwar to be present amid thousands of congregation attending the prayer with the aim of asking Allah for rain.
The Government of Central Hulu Sungai (HST) District also performed istisqa prayer.
The istisqa prayer was held simultaneously by local governments from provincial to district and city level in South Kalimantan, Thursday.
“We pray to Allah Subhanahu WaTaala to grant our wish to rain down and blessing us,” said Deputy Regent of HST Mansyah Sabri in Barabai, HST capital.
Chairman of HST Ulema Council (MUI) M Khairudin as khatib invited all residents not to leave worship at all, but they should leave all form of disobedience and other sinful acts.
“Let us repent, so that Allah the Almighty wil send down all grace and guidance to us all,” said Khairudin.
Previously, Governor of South Kalimantan Sahbirin Noor invited all people to perform Sunah Istisqa prayer to be held simultaneously on September 7, 2023.
According to Head of South Kalimantan Communication and Informatics Office HM Muslim this invitation was conveyed publicly at the closing of South Kalimantan Expo 2023 in Banjarbaru City, Sunday (Sept 3, 2023).
