Muslims pray for rain in solidarity with farmers
Tens of thousands of Muslims have braved freezing conditions to show solidarity with their fellow Australians who are affected by drought.
More than 30,000 Muslims braved freezing conditions this morning as they converged on a suburban road in Lakemba to pray for rain.
Tens of thousands more joined the special “rain prayers” which were part of yearly Eid al-Adha celebrations, as mosques around the country conducted the prayers in solidarity with drought affected farmers.
Worshippers arrived on Wangee Road in Lakemba, from as early as 5am to secure their position, with proceedings beginning shortly after 7am. The long stretch of road was closed to traffic as attendees laid prayer rugs down.
Also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha honours the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son.
They wore parkas and beanies over their traditional garb, as the smell of falafels frying and “kaak” bread grilling over coals travelled along the street.
After the ceremony finished, the warm snacks were sold to families from stalls in front yards, with money collected being donated to help farmers around the country struggling with drought.
“It’s a really good thing,”
“This festival is always about family and friends and being together,” said Farah Elomari of Lakemba. She told The Australian that the special prayers for rain are “a really good thing”.
“Muslims do care about other Australians.”
“It’s our country too, and we care about it just as much as other Australians do.”
Ms Elomari walked to her family’s home after attending the prayers, where they had gathered to sell kaak from their driveway to passers by. They were donating the proceeds to be distributed to farmers.
“Everyone’s excited for it”, said Mohammad El-Mohamad of Auburb, Ms Elomari’s husband. “We play our role as Muslims here. Without farmers there’s no food for anyone.”
Sheik Yahya Safi, Imam at the Lakemba Mosque and leader of Tuesday mornings ceremony, told the crowd “we ask everyone to donate generously to help our farmers in their crisis” as he led the prayers. “It is our duty to help Australians, especially the farmers.”
The special rain prayers were part of a larger campaign being run by the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) “in support of our farmers and all those affected by the drought”, with 16 mosques across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria taking part.
The campaign also includes a fundraising component, which will be collecting donations within different Muslim communities over a six week period. The funds collected will be given to partner charities to distribute to affected farmers.