Tens of thousands of Muslims in Australia prayed for rain for Australia's farmers who are suffering in droughts. The prayers were part of the Muslim festival Eid al-Adha - one of Islam's holiest festivals. It is often referred to as the Festival of Sacrifice. It is celebrated by sharing food with family, neighbours, the poor and needy. The biggest gathering was at a mosque in Sydney, which was attended by over 30,000 Muslims. An imam at the mosque said: "God will send down rainfall. It is our duty to help Australians, especially the farmers."
Australia is having its most devastating drought in living memory. The whole of the state of New South Wales is in drought. A farmers' spokeswoman told the ABC news agency that farmers appreciated the support and thoughts of the Muslim community. She said: "I think it really touched the heart of our farmers during this period. Every little bit helps." Australia's Prime Minister recently promised $1.3 billion in relief funds for farmers to safeguard their livelihoods. It is currently winter in Australia and the hot summer weather is coming and threatening to worsen the situation.