Approximately 2,000 Muslims gathered at Uzhavar Sandhai grounds to pray for rain in Tiruchi on Saturday.

The congregational prayer, conducted by the district chapter of Jamath-ul-Ulama Sabai, was held from 6.30 a.m. to 7.30 a.m. and drew worshippers from various localities in the city.

The rite, also known as Salāt al-Istisqa, is an Islamic tradition believed to have been practised by Prophet Muhammad. Two ‘raka’ts’ (units) of prayer are performed in the hope of alleviating drought conditions as a community.

“We gathered to pray for Almighty God’s munificence to end the dry weather spell that has affected farmers and the common man in Tamil Nadu. Last week, a similar rain prayer was held by Muslims in Kodaikanal. We hope the state will be blessed with rain soon,” a representative of Jamath-ul-Ulama Sabai told The Hindu.