Millions Attend Special Prayers at Holy Harams.


MAKKAH, 12 November 2004 — more than 1.5 million faithful took part in special prayers last night at the Grand Mosque in Makkah marking the completion of the recitation of the Holy Qur’an during taraweeh prayers. In Madinah the Prophet Mosque was packed to capacity by Muslims who came from all parts of the world to perform Umrah (minor pilgrimage) during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan and pray at Islam’s two most holiest shrines.

Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais and Sheikh Saud Al-Sheraim, two of the Grand Mosque imams jointly led the prayers with Sheikh Sudais leading the second part and delivering the supplication.

He called for Muslim unity in the traditional supplications at the end of the Qur’an recitation, prayed for the end of he bloodbath in Iraq and condemned Zionist conspiracies against Muslims and for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine and Al-Aqsa Mosque in Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Islam’s third most holiest site. The imam called for protecting Muslim youth against extremist and terrorist ideologies.

He also prayed for forgiveness for all Muslims and an improvement of their condition.

The conclusion of the recitation of the Qur’an is usually held on the 28th day of the holy fasting month, a tradition that has been observed for decades in the two holy mosques as well as mosques across the Muslim world.

The night preceding Khatm Al-Qur’an prayers, the 27th night of Ramadan, is believed to be the most likely date for the Lailat Al-Qadr or the night of power.

Hundreds of thousands of worshippers had been pouring into the Grand Mosque since early hours of the day to perform Umrah and attend taraweeh, Khatm Al-Qur’an and qiyamullail (late night) prayers. The huge mosque complex was filled to capacity with the faithful with many praying outside at open grounds and streets surrounding the mosque. The night was accident-free with Saudi authorities taking every necessary measure to ensure that the religious occasion passed in peace.

The authorities had deployed additional security forces including traffic police and civil defense officers to handle the mammoth crowd of faithful, many of whom stood in streets and pathways around the mosque to take part in the prayers.

Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an as the first verses of the holy book were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during this month. The month is known as “the springtime of the Qur’an,” and believers spend time reading and learning it and reflecting on its verses.

Several sayings of the Prophet encourage recitation of the Qur’an during Ramadan. “Whoever recites an ayat (verse) from the Qur’an (in this month) will receive a reward equal to the one received by a person who recites the entire Qur’an in other months,” the Prophet says.

Moving scenes dominated the mosque with worshippers weeping and sobbing while listening to the impassioned supplication by the imam who himself had to stop several times during the humble petitioning and beseeching.

“This is an unforgettable night. I wished the imam talked more about Iraq where a bloody war is raging right now,” said Egyptian pilgrim Hani Mustafa.

A Pakistani electrician, Ahmad Nissar, said he couldn’t describe his feeling being able to attend the prayers at the Grand Mosque. Such atmosphere of spirituality is very helpful for the Muslims enabling them to strengthen their belief and hold fast to the teachings of Islam,” he said.





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