The Department of Religious Affairs of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina has recommended that all imams across the country lead their congregations in a special prayer for rain on Friday, August 16, 2024. This call comes in response to the severe drought affecting the country, which has caused significant issues for agriculture, water sources, streams, and rivers, and has contributed to numerous wildfires.

“The drought and heatwaves in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region have brought many difficulties, particularly for agriculture and water sources, resulting in numerous fires across our homeland. Our refuge is in Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. It is within His power to give, withhold, and bring down rain. Following the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and based on the instruction of the Reis-ul-Ulema of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Husein-ef. Kavazovic, it is recommended that imams lead a special prayer for rain on Friday, August 16, 2024, asking Allah to forgive our sins, have mercy on His servants and all creatures, and bring rain to the parched land of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” the statement reads.

Tradition of Rain Prayers in Bosnia

The tradition of praying for rain in Bosnia is long-standing. According to the Institute for Islamic Tradition of Bosniaks, water is essential for all life on Earth, and the Qur'an reminds believers that drought can be a consequence of persistent sin and a failure to seek forgiveness from Allah.

The practice of rain prayers in Bosnia dates back to the Muslims of Kozarac, who would conduct these prayers whenever there was a significant need for rain.