A number of masājid across the United Kingdom have announced a National Day of Prayer for Rain (Salat al-Istisqa’) on Sunday, 16 August 2026 / 3 Rabbi al-Awwal 1448. Simultaneously, they are calling for environmental stewardship and collective faith during this time of unprecedented extreme heat and prolonged dry weather, in addition to associated rising ecological concerns across the country.
The co-ordinated initiative by Green Lane Masjid & Community Centre, Darul Ihsaan Barking, and others, invites fellow mosques, community centres, and worshippers nationwide to revive the timeless Prophetic tradition of Salat al-Istisqa’ — a special communal prayer offered during periods of drought to seek relief, sustenance, and divine mercy through rainfall.
The prayer is ideally performed outdoors and in congregation. It is accompanied by an address (khutbah), sincere repentance, charity, and prayers for collective relief.
Faith, water, and ecological responsibility
In Islamic theology, water is regarded as the source of all life and a sacred trust (amānah). The practice of Salat al-Istisqa’ brings communities together not only to ask for rain, but to engage in deep self-reflection and gratitude, as well as moral renewal.
The tradition teaches that human wellbeing is inseparable from the health of the natural world, placing a strong duty on believers to act as responsible custodians (khulafā) of the Earth.
As mentioned above, the organisers are urging communities to take positive, practical steps toward local environmental action. These include water conservation, reducing waste, and supporting local green initiatives.
This is a unified call to communities
The group of masājid behind this initiative are encouraging Muslims to hold the prayer at a time suited to their congregations and to use the occasion to inspire collective action on climate and conservation.
Worshippers are also encouraged to give charity, practice personal reflection, and pray for the wellbeing of the entire nation, its wildlife, and its agricultural lands.
A joint spokesperson for the participating organisations said:
Rain is a vital mercy that sustains all living things: our crops, wildlife, and natural ecosystems. In Islam, turning to Allah in times of environmental distress is paired with our duty to protect the Earth. By coming together for Salat al-Istisqa’, we acknowledge our reliance on Allah’s grace while reaffirming our shared responsibility to care for our climate and preserve precious water resources.
We are representatives of the best of Allah’s creation, the one who is ‘a mercy to humanity’. Therefore, we must embody this mercy towards all our fellow Britons, including the thousands of farmers directly affected by the drought.
These droughts will not only increase the cost of food this winter but will also have a significant impact on those in our society who are already struggling with the cost of living.”
Prayer locations and details
Congregational prayers will be held this Sunday, 16 August 2026 / 3 Rabbi al-Awwal 1448, in the following places:
| Location | Venue | Status / Details |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | Green Lane Masjid & Community Centre | Confirmed — 9:30 am (outdoor/main hall) |
| Manchester | British Muslim Heritage Centre | Confirmed — 11:30am |
| London | Hyde Park | Confirmed — time TBC |
| London | Altab Ali Park | Confirmed — time TBC |
| London | Central Park | Confirmed — time TBC |
| London | Barking Park | Confirmed — time TBC |
| London | Newham Muslim Forum | Awaiting confirmation |
| London | Tower Hamlets Council of Mosques | Awaiting confirmation |
| London | FORMO | Awaiting confirmation |
Additional mosques wishing to participate are encouraged to do so on Sunday and to mention “National Day of Prayer for Rain 2026” in online posts, so we can work together in future and build on this vital first effort.
Source: Islam21c
Notes
Jointly supported by:
- Aytac Aid
- Darul Ihsaan Barking
- Darul Jannah Community Centre
- Green Lane Masjid & Community Centre
- London Ifta Council
- World Islamic Forum
