{
  "id": 7553555,
  "title": "Pahang Sultan decrees mosques hold special prayers for rain amid worsening haze",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/pahang-sultan-decrees-mosques-hold-special-prayers-for-rain-amid",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-15T12:57:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/09/1533544/pahang-sultan-decrees-mosques-hold-special-prayers-rain-amid"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Sultan of Pahang has ordered mosques in the state to conduct special prayers and rain-seeking ceremonies in hopes of alleviating the worsening haze. Sultan Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah stated that this act of devotion seeks Allah's assistance and mercy, praying for rainfall to improve air quality. The Pahang royal Facebook page announced the ruler's hope that the people, especially Muslims, would join in the rain prayers to bring blessings, clear the air, and end the haze affecting various regions. The deteriorating air quality has become a pressing concern, necessitating proper measures to protect the health and well-being of the populace. As of 1pm, all five Air Pollutant Index (API) monitoring stations in Pahang displayed unhealthy readings, with Indera Mahkota reporting the highest level at 165. Kuantan experienced severe haze today, recording its highest API levels in recent weeks, as the haze situation worsened nationwide. The haze is believed to be caused by seasonal forest and peatland fires in Indonesia's Borneo and Sumatra regions.",
  "summary": "KUANTAN: The Sultan of Pahang has decreed that the Pahang Mufti and all mosques perform Solat Hajat (special prayers) and Solat Sunat Istisqa’ (prayers for rain) to seek divine relief from the haze.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : Haze: Pahang Sultan Orders Mosques To Perform Hajat, Istisqa' Prayers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/general-haze-pahang-sultan-orders-mosques-to-perform-hajat-istisqa",
        "published": "2026-09-15T11:56:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}