Tens thousands of Muslims Australia have gathered to pray rain for Australia's drought-afflicted farmers. The prayers were incorporated the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha. Dozens of mosques included prayers rain their celebrations for the holy celebration. Eid al-Adha is one Islam's holiest festivals. It is often referred to as the Festival of Sacrifice and is celebrated sharing food with family, neighbours, as well as the poor and needy. The biggest gathering was Sydney's Lakemba Mosque, which was attended by over 30,000 Muslims. An imam of the mosque said: "God will send rainfall. It is our duty to help Australians, especially the farmers."
Australia is currently undergoing its most devastating drought living memory. The whole New South Wales, the country's most populous state, is drought. A state farmers' spokeswoman, Kathleen Curry, told the ABC news agency how much farmers appreciated the support and thoughts the Muslim community. She said: "I think it really touched the heart our farmers this period." She added: "Every little bit helps." Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull recently committed $1.3 billion relief funds farmers to safeguard their livelihoods. The disturbing thing is that it is currently winter Australia and the hot summer weather is looming and threatening to worsen the situation.
