Perlis Drought: Raja Muda Decrees State-Level ‘Istisqa’ Prayer for Rain

KUALA LUMPUR – As the state of Perlis grapples with a prolonged dry spell and soaring temperatures, the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, has decreed the performance of Solat Sunat Istisqa’—a special prayer to supplicate for rain.

The decree, issued in his capacity as the President of the Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs), identifies the prayer as a collective spiritual effort to alleviate the hardships currently faced by the people due to the extreme weather.

Event Details and Logistics

The congregational prayer is scheduled to take place this Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 8:00 AM. The chosen venue is the Dataran Istiadat at the Arau Palace.

To ensure the wellbeing of those attending under the sweltering heat, MAIPs has issued several guidelines for congregants:

• Preparation: Attendees are advised to perform their ablutions (wudhu) at home and bring their own prayer mats.
• Heat Protection: The use of umbrellas is encouraged while walking from vehicles to the prayer site to prevent heat exhaustion.
• Health Precautions: Those with existing health issues are urged to wear face masks during the gathering.

Furthermore, the Perlis State Mufti Department has coordinated for the Istisqa’ supplication to be integrated into Friday sermons across all mosques in the state beginning March 27, 2026.

A Call for Spiritual Reflection

In his royal address, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin urged the public to approach the prayer with a sense of humility and repentance. He emphasized that the current drought should serve as a period of muhasabah (self-reflection) for all citizens to strengthen their faith.

“To Allah we surrender and place our trust,” the Raja Muda stated, expressing his hope that the collective cries of the people would be answered with “rain of mercy”—showers that nourish the parched earth without causing further harm or disaster.

His Highness also encouraged the community to increase virtuous deeds, such as fasting and giving alms, while fostering a spirit of forgiveness and avoiding interpersonal conflicts during these challenging times.