The country’s religious bodies have welcomed President Peter Mutharika’s call for the country to engage in special prayers for good rains.
In a statement signed by presidential press secretary Cathy Maulidi, President Mutharika has requested religious leaders to organize the special prayers any day of their choice, from Friday February 6 to Sunday, February 8, for the country to have bumper yields.
The president has requested for the prayers following the dry spells that have hit most parts of the country leading to wilting of maize crops in some districts.
Speaking in separate interviews with radio Islam, the Muslim body, Majlis Ulama Council of Malawi and the Public Affairs committee has commended Mutharika for the decision, saying it is in line with religious teachings.
In his remarks, Secretary General for Majlis Ulama council of Malawi Sheikh Muslim Abbass Vinjenje advised Muslims to follow what Islam says when faced with challenges like shortage of rain hence asking leaders to adhere to the president’s call.
“First of all, let me acknowledge that we have indeed seen the statement and it is not against the teachings of Islam. This development is a very welcome development, because Islam or the Qu’ran teaches us to have such prayers whenever we are faced with challenges including shortage of rains.
Sheikh Vinjenje said what the president has done, signals his commitment in in improving the welfare of Malawians hence encouraging sheikhs to lead people in making Duas or perform swalatul-Istiskah (prayers for rains) as well as asking Muslims to ask for forgiveness and refrain from committing signs.
Public Affairs committee Spokesperson Bishop Gilford Matonga said the country’s economy depends on Agriculture saying erratic rains affects Agricultural production hence the need for religious bodies to conduct the prayers as requested.
“As Public Affair committee we welcome this development, is something that as religious community we encourage to meet and pray, but specifically in this season, that the president has realized that we are going through a crisis, it is indeed important to adhere to his call, you know Malawi is an Agri-based economy so if people do not harvest, it means the whole economy is going to be affected’ he said.
Bishop Matonga also advised the religious bodies to use their various initial congregational prayers to offer the special prayer saying the quasi-religious body, will not make special arrangements for national prayers due to urgency of the mater.
On January 31st 2026 the Department of climate change and Meteorological services announced that the southern areas of Malawi experienced a prolonged dry spell over the week or more adding that the weather analysis and forecast indicated that the conditions are likely to persist over the following 7 days
Meanwhile the department of climate change and metrological services has announced that there is chance of rainfall over southern areas as a result of Inter-Tropical convergence zone (ITCZ), which has shifted slightly southwards.
According to an update released on Wednesday 4th February, the department said isolated thunderstorms and locally heavy rainfall are expected to continue over the Northern areas including parts of the central and lakeshore areas.
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