By Bukola Hameed
Residents of Osogbo and Ede witnessed heavy rain on Saturday after the Special Rain Prayer (Salatul Istisqa) was performed by a section of Muslim faithful.
The prayer was led by Sheikh Qamarudeen Ballo of Gbesinniyi Central Mosque, Osogbo at the Fountain University.
In an address that preceded the prayer, Sheikh Ballo reminded Nigerians, particularly, Muslims to shun sinful ways and avoid crimes such as, ritual killings, gambling, fornication, drinking, saying drought or seizure of rain by Allah is a consequence of prevalence of crimes and sins among people.
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The Imam warned that Allah often used drought to punish those who refuse to repent and do His wish. He said the consequence of drought could extend beyond men by affecting animals and plants that serve as provision and sustenance for humans.
He thus prayed Allah to overlook the shortcomings and forgive the sins of Nigerians, just as he beseeched Him not to punish the entire nation with the iniquities of the wicked among them.
Meanwhile, Muslims in and around Oyo town have been called upon to come out enmass to perform their salatul istisqaa.
The chief Imaam of Oyoland, Alhaji Mas’ud AbdulGaniy Ajokidero said the prayer would hold on Monday 31 August, 2020 at the central Eid ground, Agunpopo, Oyo by 11am