The Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah welcomed hundreds of thousands of worshippers on Tuesday evening as the first Taraweeh prayers of Ramadan 1447 filled the sacred halls with an atmosphere of deep spirituality and devotion.
A Night of Spiritual Grandeur in Makkah and Madinah
As the crescent moon confirmed the arrival of the holy month, worshippers from across Saudi Arabia and around the world gathered at Islam’s two holiest sites. The courtyards, expansion areas, and prayer halls of both mosques were fully prepared to accommodate the massive turnout, with carpets laid across every available space and Zamzam water stations positioned throughout the premises.
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque had completed comprehensive operational preparations well in advance, coordinating with relevant government entities to ensure a seamless worship experience for all visitors.
Distinguished Imams Lead the Prayers
The Department of Imams and Muezzins Affairs at the Grand Mosque released the full schedule of Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers for the entire month. On the first night, Sheikh Badr Al-Turki, Sheikh Dr. Al-Waleed Al-Shamsan, and Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais led the congregation, with Sheikh Al-Sudais concluding the Witr prayer. The schedule rotates among six prominent imams, including Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al-Juhany, Sheikh Dr. Bandar Baleelah, Sheikh Dr. Maher Al-Muaiqly, and Sheikh Dr. Yasser Al-Dossary.
This year, Taraweeh prayers at both holy mosques are being performed in the traditional ten-rakaat format, a practice that has become a hallmark of Ramadan observance at the Haramain.
World-Class Services Reflect Saudi Arabia’s Commitment
Field teams ensured smooth traffic flow across the mosque and its surrounding areas, with dedicated routes established for elderly visitors and persons with disabilities. The mobility system inside the Grand Mosque operated efficiently, and cart movement was carefully regulated to prevent congestion.
These measures reflect the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to provide a complete spiritual environment during Ramadan. Millions of viewers worldwide also joined the prayers through live broadcasts, connecting the global Muslim community to the heart of the holy month.
Image credit: Saudi Gazette
