Gumel, located in a semi-arid region of northern Jigawa State near the Niger Republic, is known for its short rainy season and frequent drought conditions.

Amid rising concerns over prolonged drought and water scarcity, thousands of Muslim faithful gathered at the Eid Ground in Kantudu Quarters, Gumel Emirate, on Saturday for a special prayer for rain.

The prayer session, known as Salatul Istisqa, was organised by the Gumel Emirate Council under the leadership of the Emir of Gumel, Dr. Ahmad Muhammad Sani, and led by the Chief Imam of Gumel, Dr. Kabiru Usman.

Gumel, located in a semi-arid region of northern Jigawa State near the Niger Republic, is known for its short rainy season and frequent drought conditions.

With rainfall typically lasting only three to four months annually, communities in the area often face water shortages and agricultural challenges.

“We are gathered here today to seek Allah’s mercy and provision of rain,” said Chief Imam Dr. Kabiru Usman in a brief sermon after the two Raka’at prayer. “We pray for Allah’s benevolence and kindness towards us.”

The solemn gathering included residents of all ages, traditional title holders, religious leaders, and government officials, all united in supplication for divine intervention as the region faces a potentially dry rainy season.

Recent weather forecasts indicate partly cloudy conditions in Gumel with little or no rainfall expected in the coming days. 

Meanwhile, temperatures are projected to range between 34°C and 38°C, with humidity levels fluctuating between 40% and 70%.

The Emirate Council expressed gratitude to the community for their turnout and urged residents to maintain unity and faith as they await rainfall.

PUNCH reports that before the special prayer session — attended by residents from various backgrounds, including those from distant villages and towns under the Gumel Emirate — some participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gather and seek divine intervention. They noted that “this is a critical time to ask for God’s mercy and pray for rain.”

Aminu Saddiq, who lives in Gumel town, stated, “We’ve been battling with drought concerns since the beginning of the rainy season. I’m hopeful that our prayers will be answered.”

Another resident, Lawal Muhammad, added.l, “It’s been a challenging time for farmers in our area. We pray that Allah grants us rain to boost our agricultural activities.”

Aisha Sallau, a mother of four and local trader, stated, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate in this special prayer. I believe that our collective supplications will bring us relief.”

Abdullahi Aliyu, a farmer from Dantanoma, voiced his worries over the devastating effects of the drought on his crops.

“If we don’t get rain soon, our crops will wither away. I’m counting on Allah’s mercy.”

However, when contacted by our correspondent for further clarification, a prominent Islamic cleric based in Gumel, Ustaz Muhammad Ahmed, highlighted the importance of Salatul Istisqa (prayer for rain) in Islam.

 “When the need arises, Muslims come together to pray for rain. It’s a demonstration of our reliance on Allah’s mercy,” he stated.

He added, “We must continue to pray and seek Allah’s mercy. We should also reflect on our actions and ensure that we’re doing what’s right in the eyes of Allah.”