Muslims in Kushtia's Kumarkhali gathered for a special prayer for rain for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, seeking relief from the intense heatwave.
The prayer took place under the open sky at Kharidal Bill in Ballabpur village of Joduboyra union around 8:45am.
At the conclusion of the prayer, attendees expressed their deep longing for rain, with many shedding tears in the hope of divine intervention.
Hundreds of locals from nearby villages including Ballabpur, Rasulpur, Bhavanipur, Jotmora, and Barichara participated in the prayer, led by Imam Maulana Mufti Rabiul Islam of Ballabpur GK Jame Masjid.
Organizers announced that the prayer would be held at the same location at 9am on Wednesday.
Residents highlighted the absence of rain for nearly a month, leading to the drying up of rivers, canals, and ponds, as well as a shortage of water in shallow tube wells and irrigation pumps.
The severe heatwave has disrupted daily life, affecting agriculture and causing distress among workers.
In response, the community organized a three-day prayer to plead Allah for rain, with announcements made through a microphone to encourage participation.
Participants gathered at the field with prayer mats, towels, and caps, performing two rakat sunnat prayers and supplicating for relief from the scorching heat and drought. Many were moved to tears during the heartfelt prayers.
Local resident Ismail Joardar expressed the collective desperation for water among people, animals, and birds, as they turned to prayer for divine intervention.
Farmer Md Sohrab Uddin said: “The prolonged dry spell has affected crop cultivation, prompting us to seek divine intervention through prayer.”
Imam Maulana Mufti Rabiul Islam attributed the rainless situation and drought to human transgressions, echoing the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions who sought forgiveness through prayer during times of drought.
He emphasized the Sunnah practice of performing the prayer for three consecutive days, with the final session scheduled for Wednesday at the same location where the community seeks divine mercy and relief from the ongoing heatwave.
The prayer initiative began on Monday morning at Ballabpur village of Joduboyra union in Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia.
