UAE weather alert, azan urges Muslims to pray at home amid heavy rains

Dubai: Mosques across the UAE have relayed a crucial message to their worshippers, urging them to offer prayers for the safety of their homes as the nation confronts the aftermath of heavy rainfall. The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf) has advised to avoid congregational prayers at mosques on Wednesday, April 17.

The directive from Awqaf will be integrated into the conclusion of every call for prayer, emphasizing the necessity for Muslims to perform their devotions within their residences. Traditionally, Muslims gather for prayers five times daily, with congregational prayers being a common practice in mosques.

Videos circulating on social media platforms depict the alteration in the call for prayer, particularly during the Isha (night prayer) at mosques in Sharjah. Similar adjustments have been noted in Dubai, where worshippers encountered closed mosques in their localities.

This isn't the first time that mosques have utilized the call for prayer to communicate important messages. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, muezzins utilized the azan to emphasize the importance of staying at home and adhering to safety protocols.

The heavy rains that have engulfed the UAE have resulted in extensive flooding, affecting roads, malls and even airports. The unstable weather is anticipated to persist into the following day, constituting the second wave of inclement conditions. Consequently, all educational institutions and government offices have transitioned to online platforms, while authorities have implored residents to venture outside only when necessary.