Baidoa, Southwest – Thousands of residents gathered in an open field in Baidoa, the capital of Southwest State, on Tuesday to join religious scholars in a collective prayer for rain. The gathering, held under the scorching sun, embodied the deep faith and unity of a community facing the strain of a prolonged dry spell.
Men, women, and children stood together in solemn devotion, seeking divine mercy and relief from the harsh conditions that have dried farmlands, depleted grazing areas, and left water sources increasingly scarce. The special Istisqa prayer, an age-old Islamic tradition, is performed in times of drought to ask Allah for rain and blessings.
Religious scholars led the congregation through verses and prayers, reminding people to strengthen their compassion, humility, and patience in times of hardship. Afterward, the crowd raised their hands heavenward, imploring Allah to bless the region with abundant rain, mercy, and prosperity.
Much of Southwest Somalia has faced erratic rainfall in recent months, threatening harvests and intensifying food insecurity across the Bay and Bakool regions. Humanitarian groups have cautioned that if rains fail again, the situation could worsen for already vulnerable families.
For many in Baidoa, the prayer was more than a plea for rain — it was a symbol of unity and endurance. As the faithful dispersed, their voices of hope lingered in the dry wind, trusting that the heavens would soon respond.