Tamil Nadu: Over 2,000 muslims offer special prayer for rain in Tiruchirappalli
Tiruchirappalli, August 1
More than 2,000 Muslims gathered at the Uzhavar Sandhai grounds in Thennur, Tiruchirappalli, on Saturday to offer a special prayer seeking rainfall amid prolonged dry weather and worsening water scarcity across Tamil Nadu.
With temperatures continuing to remain above 37.5°C in several districts and the monsoon failing to bring adequate rainfall, the state is facing a severe water shortage. The situation has been further aggravated by the lack of Cauvery water release to Tamil Nadu, resulting in depleted groundwater levels and drying water bodies.
The Cauvery river, which supports the Delta region and meets drinking and irrigation needs, has also witnessed reduced flow, while lakes and ponds in Tiruchirappalli have dried up, affecting farmers, the public and livestock.
Taking these circumstances into account, the Tiruchirappalli District Jamaathul Ulama Sabha organised the special Salat al-Istisqa (prayer for rain) at the Thennur Uzhavar Sandhai grounds.
The prayer was led by Tiruchirappalli District Jamaathul Ulama Sabha President Muhammad Noorul Haq Rashadi and Secretary in Aamul Hasan Hazrath. More than 2,000 Islamic scholars, clerics and members of the Muslim community participated in the gathering.
During the prayer, participants raised their hands in supplication with tears in their eyes, praying for abundant rainfall, prosperity and relief from the prevailing drought conditions, following the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They expressed hope and faith that their prayers would be answered and that the state would soon receive much-needed rainfall.
Earlier on Thursday, the Tamil Nadu government formed an expert committee, as instructed by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, to monitor and advise the government on the impact of the expected strong El Nino event, identify areas that could be affected and suggest precautionary measures to deal with its possible impact.
According to a Government Order issued by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department on July 28, the committee has been formed under the Tamil Nadu Disaster Risk Reduction Agency (TNDRRA).
The committee will monitor and assess the possible effects of El Nino and advise the government on steps to reduce risks from drought, floods and extreme rainfall.
The government order said that below-normal rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon could affect water inflows into the Cauvery River, while heavy rainfall and flooding could occur during the Northeast Monsoon.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's heartening to see people come together in faith during such difficult times. But also, the government needs to seriously address the Cauvery water sharing issue with Karnataka. Prayers are important, but action at the policy level is equally crucial. 💧
Respect for this tradition of Istisqa prayer - it's practiced across many Muslim communities globally. Climate change is affecting everyone, and it's good to see communities taking spiritual and practical steps. Hope the Northeast Monsoon brings relief to TN.
This is what secular India is all about - people of all faiths contributing to the collective good. The Uzhavar Sandhai grounds saw 2000+ people praying together! Meanwhile, the Cauvery issue is really painful - farmers in Delta region are struggling. Time for a permanent solution to water sharing. 🙏
While I respect the religious aspect of this gathering, I feel we also need to look at practical solutions like water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and better reservoir management. The government's expert committee on El Nino is a step in the right direction. Faith and science can work together.
Interesting - 2000 Muslims praying for rain in Trichy! Actually, this is a global Islamic practice. Even in Saudi Arabia, they do this when drought hits. Good to see religious leaders taking initiative. But yes, the state government should also speed up desilting of lakes and river interlinking projects. 💧🌧️
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.