Muslims in Thailand urged to pray for rain on May 4

The Sheikhul Islam Office, the office of Thailand's Muslim spiritual leader, has urged worshippers in Thailand to pray for rain on May 4.

As Thailand is hit by scorching temperatures, many areas suffer from drought and some already have water shortages, Muslims are being urged to bring rain.

The Thailand Meteorological Department, meanwhile, has predicted that the rainy season is expected to begin in the last week of May.

See: Thailand expected to enter rainy season in May

In a letter addressed to all provincial Muslim leaders, Chularatchamontri, Arun Boonchom, urged all Muslims in Thailand to pray for rain.

He said the entire country is facing drought and water sources are drying up due to high temperatures and prolonged lack of rain, causing widespread hardship for the population.

See: A tourist province in Thailand suffers from a water shortage

Such a dire situation is a test imposed by Allah on human beings to make them aware of their mistakes or violations of restrictions, according to the letter.

In Bangkok , a prayer session will be held on May 4 at 8 a.m. at the Chalerm Phrakiat National Center for Islamic Affairs Administration in Nong Chok district.

In Islam, the special prayer for rain, known as "ṣalāt al-istisqa," is offered in addition to the five daily prayers.

Recited in congregation and led by the imam of a mosque, it takes place in the same open space outside the mosque where the two Eid prayer sessions also take place each year.

See also:

Sugar production drops in Thailand due to severe drought

Water festival begins in Thailand, but one island suffers from drought

Source: Thai PBS World