Some 200 members of the Muslim community in Malta held special prayers for rain at the Mosque in Corradino today.

Imam Mohammed El Sadi led the service, which he said was held for the first time in Malta.

He said that reasons for the lack of rain this year could be that the people had not prayed enough or not lived a virtuous life. More prayers would be held next Friday if it does not rain next week.

The prayer held today was the Salat al Istisqa.

It included recitation of parts of the Holy Qur’an and a sermon delivered by the Imam calling for repentance and charity.

During the supplication the worshippers were required to show humbleness, humility and neediness of Allah’s providence by turning their outer garments wrong side up, while raising their hands invoking Allah in humble and devout manner.

The Bishop of Gozo will lead a pilgrimage for rain next Sunday afternoon in Qala.

Rainfall this season has been a third of the norm.