What is the Sharia view on the haze problem, and is the Istisqa’ prayer prescribed to ask for rain during haze?

Summary

This Bayan Linnas discusses the haze from a Sharia perspective, covering its definition, causes, health effects and the preventive measures advised by the Ministry of Health. Since heavy rain is reported to help reduce haze, the Istisqa’ prayer is discussed as a way of asking for rain. The prayer is prescribed during drought, is recommended while its cause exists, and is no longer recommended once rain falls. Istisqa’ can be performed in three ways: at minimum by making supplication, by supplicating after bowing in the last unit of an obligatory prayer and after the prayer, or in the most complete form with repentance, charity, four days of fasting and a two-unit prayer in an open area.

Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.