Gulf | Saudi Arabia
Millions throng Saudi mosques to observe Laylat Al Qadr
Over two million Muslims thronged the Haram Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah and prayed for forgiveness and mercy.
- By Mariam Al Hakeem, Correspondent
- Published: 00:00 October 19, 2006
- Image Credit: Reuters
- Abdullah and son perform Umrah Jordan's King Abdullah and his son Prince Hussain perform Umrah at Makkah.
Makkah: Over two million Muslims thronged the Haram Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah and prayed for forgiveness and mercy.
The Haram Mosque and its surroundings were crowded with Umrah pilgrims and worshippers who spent the whole night in supplication.
Yesterday night was Laylat Al Qadr [Ramadan 27, the Night of Power] a night about which the Quran said: "The Night of Power is better than a thousand months."
Worshippers were seen moving to the mosques from yesterday morning itself.
An air of tranquillity and peace prevailed at the mosques, thanks to the close supervision and proper crowd management undertaken by the security forces. The Saudi authorities have mobilised all their resources to enable the faithful to perform rituals with ease.
The Ministry of Interior on Tuesday called in some 15,000 security forces from various regions of the kingdom to reinforce the security forces deployed at the Haram Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. Security forces were equipped with video cameras and other modern facilities.
Major General Sa'ad Al Tuwaijry, director general of the Saudi Civil Defence, told Gulf News that the civil defence's plan for coping with the emergency situation in Makkah has been met with a great success and there were no reports of any untoward incidents.
"The Civil Defence forces in Makkah were supported by more than 3,000 officials and they have been supplied with some 427 fire extinguishers and four helicopters to ensure a smooth operation," he said.
The civic, health and traffic departments have all stepped in and done their best.
Moon sighting
Meanwhile, the Saudi Supreme Judiciary Council urged Muslims in the kingdom to look out for the crescent moon of Shawal on Saturday evening [Ramadan 29].
In a statement, the council requested whoever happens to see the moon to report to the nearest judge or governorate.
- Reuters
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