Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC) will hold Salaat al-Istisqaa (the Islamic Prayer for Rain) on Sunday 16th August 2026 at Green Lane Masjid, 20 Green Lane, Birmingham, B9 5DB.

Prayer details

Date: Sunday 16th August 2026
Time: 9:30am
Venue: Green Lane Masjid, 20 Green Lane, Birmingham, B9 5DB

The prayer comes as the West Midlands remains in official drought, following the Environment Agency’s declaration on 29 July. The Met Office subsequently confirmed that England and Wales each experienced their driest July on record. This is England’s third drought in five years, and Severn Trent Water has asked customers to reduce their water use and use supplies carefully.

Salaat al-Istisqaa (the Prayer for Rain) is a well-established practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), performed when there is a genuine need for rain. The Prophet would lead the community in prayer, asking Allah (God) to send beneficial rain for people, animals, farmers and the land.

Although this form of prayer may be unfamiliar to many people in the UK, it is a recognised Islamic response to drought and prolonged lack of rainfall. It reminds Muslims of their dependence upon Allah (God) and encourages humility, repentance and hope during times of need.

Alongside the prayer, GLMCC is encouraging the Muslim community and the wider public to use water sensibly and conserve it wherever possible. Islam teaches Muslims to avoid unnecessary waste in every area of life, including the use of water.

This responsibility applies even when water is being used for worship. Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) would perform wudu (ritual ablution before prayer) using one mudd (equivalent to around 750ml). This is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari 201 and Sahih Muslim 325b.

This Prophetic example demonstrates moderation and careful water use, even when fulfilling a religious obligation. GLMCC is therefore reminding worshippers not to leave taps running unnecessarily while performing ablution and is encouraging everyone to take practical steps to conserve water, such as turning off taps when they are not needed, taking shorter showers, repairing leaks and following local water-use guidance.

Shaykh Anas Tayib, Imam at Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre, said:

“This prayer is a beautiful reminder that, however advanced our technology, we remain dependent upon Allah (God) for even the most basic of blessings: rain. We invite our community to join us in humility, seeking Allah’s forgiveness and sincerely asking Him to send beneficial rain that brings relief to our communities, sustains our farmers and animals, nourishes our land and brings ease to our households.”

For media and PR enquiries, further information or interview requests, please contact:

Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre
Phone: 0121 713 0080
Email: press@greenlanemasjid.org
Website: www.greenlanemasjid.org

Notes to Editors

• Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC) is one of the UK’s leading Islamic centres and is based in Birmingham.
• Salaat al-Istisqaa (the Prayer for Rain) is a congregational Islamic prayer performed during periods of drought or prolonged lack of rainfall.
• The prayer will take place on Sunday 16 August 2026 at 9:30am at Green Lane Masjid, 20 Green Lane, Birmingham, B9 5DB.