By Peter Omopo
Gumel, Jigawa State | June 28, 2025 — Thousands of Muslim faithful in Gumel Emirate converged at the central Eid ground in Kantudu Quarters on Saturday for a special prayer seeking divine intervention amid growing concerns over drought and water scarcity.
The prayer session, known as Salatul Istisqa, was organized by the Gumel Emirate Council under the leadership of the Emir of Gumel, Dr. Ahmad Muhammad Sani. It was led by the Chief Imam of Gumel, Dr. Kabiru Usman, and attended by residents of all ages, traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, and government officials.
In his sermon following the two Raka’at prayer, Imam Usman underscored the spiritual significance of the gathering.
“We are gathered here today to seek Allah’s mercy and the blessing of rain. We pray for Allah’s benevolence and kindness towards us,” he said.
Gumel, located in the northern part of Jigawa State and sharing a border with Niger Republic, lies in a Sahelian region known for its brief rainy season and vulnerability to prolonged dry spells. The area typically experiences rainfall for just three to four months annually, often leading to concerns over drought and insufficient water supply.
Local weather forecasts predict partly cloudy skies in the coming days with little to no rainfall. Temperatures are expected to range between 34°C and 38°C, with humidity levels hovering between 40% and 70%.
Given the region’s arid climate, prayers like Salatul Istisqa are a long-standing tradition in Gumel and similar communities. The practice serves as a communal appeal for rain and is often invoked during periods of agricultural stress and environmental uncertainty.
The Emirate Council urged residents to continue praying, remain united, and avoid acts that might attract divine wrath, calling the prayer a crucial act of faith in trying times.
