THE long drought plaguing Kendari made Arifin Dg. Marakka dizzy. The 75-year-old's frown grew deeper as his servant reported the drying basin for wudu (ritual washing). Evening prayer time was fast approaching and the mosque's faithful would not find enough water for washing. There had been no rain for over two months.

The fasting month of Ramadan was entering its 15th and 16th day and Arifin's mosque was crowded. "Lailatul Qadar (Revela