CAIR: Texas Muslims Asked to Pray for Rain

Call comes in response to Governor Perry's proclamation

HOUSTON, April 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-TX) today called on mosques across that state to offer prayers for rain to help relieve the worst drought since the 1930s, which has resulted in extreme wildfire danger.

CAIR-TX issued its call for prayers in response to a proclamation issued yesterday by Texas Governor Rick Perry declaring a three-day period of "Days of Prayer for Rain in the State of Texas." Gov. Perry's proclamation states: "I urge Texans of all faiths and traditions to offer prayers on that day for the healing of our land, the rebuilding of our communities and the restoration of our normal way of life."

SEE: Gov. Perry Issues Proclamation for Days of Prayer for Rain in Texas

http://governor.state.tx.us/news/proclamation/16038/

CAIR-TX urged state mosques to offer special Islamic prayers, called Salatul Istisqa (sal-AT-al-istis-KA), which the Prophet Muhammad traditionally offered during times of drought.

In Salatul Istisqa, the Prophet would offer supplications such as: "O God, give us rain that will replenish us, abundant, fertilizing and profitable, not injurious. Grant it now without delay. . .Send down rain upon us and make it a source of strength and satisfaction. . .O God, give us a saving rain, good and productive, general and heavy, now and not later, beneficial and not harmful."

The Quran, Islam's revealed text, states: "O my people! Seek forgiveness of your Lord and turn to Him in repentance. He will send you from the sky abundant rain." (Quran, 11:52)

"Texans of all faiths should offer whatever spiritual assistance they can in the effort to mitigate the negative impact of this drought on our state," said CAIR-Texas Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: CAIR-Texas Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll, 832-549-1042, 713-838-2247, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations