Millions of faithful thronged the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday, the 27th of Ramadan, to perform Umrah and attend the last Friday prayers of the holy month.

Millions of pilgrims offered prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah on the last Friday of Ramadan.

Addressing the congregation at the Grand Mosque, Imam Sheikh Saud Al-Shuraim said: “Muslims who offered their prayers during this month are real winners. There are other Muslims who live in difficult circumstances and unable to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr.”

He reminded all Muslims to pay Zakat Al-Fitr before Eid prayers. The Grand Mosque was fully occupied by worshippers.

Leading the night prayers, called Qiyam Al-Lail, on Thursday, Imam Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais beseeched Allah to ease the suffering of the helpless people.

The congregation of nearly 3 million faithful was reduced to tears when the imam’s voice quivered with emotions at the mention of the plight of the besieged Palestinians, Syrians and Iraqis. He prayed to God for unity among Muslims.

In a bid to avoid overcrowding, most of the pilgrims were asked to pray in the neighboring streets of the Grand Mosque.

In Madinah, worshippers filled every nook and cranny of the Prophet’s Mosque to say their Friday prayers in an atmosphere of spirituality, serenity and tranquility.

Security authorities, under the direct supervision of Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman, provided all necessary measures to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims visiting the Prophet’s Mosque.

Under the plan, and as per Prince Faisal bin Salman’s directives, a bus service has been launched to transfer visitors to and from the mosque, easing traffic congestion by preventing the entrance of thousands of cars inside the mosque precincts.

Abdul Wahid bin Ali, director of public relations and media at the General Presidency for the Prophet’s Mosque, said that 10,000 new carpets had been placed throughout the mosque during Ramadan, both in the male and female sections, as well as on the roof and in the courtyards surrounding the mosque.

 
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