Hyderabad’s rainfall deficit and concerns over drought-like conditions prompted hundreds of Muslims to gather at Chilkalguda Eidgah on Sunday for Namaz-e-Istisqa, a special congregational prayer seeking rain.
The prayers were held in the afternoon despite intense heat, according to Telangana Today. The gathering was led by Maulana Syed Ziauddin, Khateeb of Jama Masjid Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, Chilkalguda.
In his sermon, Maulana Syed Ziauddin urged people to use water judiciously and avoid wastage. He described water as a precious gift and linked the appeal to the dry conditions and concerns about the months ahead.
Following the prayer, Maulana Syed Rizwan Pasha Quadri and Abdul Samad Nizami led a dua seeking relief from the dry spell. The event brought a public water-conservation message into a religious gathering as Hyderabad faces concerns over inadequate rainfall.
The report did not provide a rainfall figure, identify a government drought declaration or include a response from the city’s water or disaster-management authorities. It also did not specify whether restrictions or emergency measures had been announced for residents.
The arrangements at Chilkalguda Eidgah were supervised by Mohammad Hussain Munna, president of the Masjid and Eidgah Committee. The gathering concluded with the supplication for rain and relief from the prevailing dry conditions.