Thousands Gather for Laylat ul Qadr Prayers in UAE and Saudi Arabia as Ramadan Peaks
As Ramadan enters its most spiritually significant phase, thousands of Muslim worshippers across the Gulf region have gathered in mosques for special prayers marking Laylat ul Qadr, widely regarded as the holiest night in Islam. Believers in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia filled major mosques late into the night, seeking forgiveness, blessings, and spiritual renewal during the sacred final days of Ramadan.
Large Congregations at Iconic Mosques
Large congregations were reported at some of the region’s most iconic places of worship, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. Thousands of worshippers gathered for late-night prayers, recitation of the Holy Quran, and supplications, creating an atmosphere of deep spiritual significance. The faithful spent hours in prayer and reflection, with many engaging in Qiyam-ul-Layl prayers and iʿtikāf, a practice of remaining in the mosque for extended worship periods.
Spiritual Intensity During the Last Ten Nights
Laylat ul Qadr, often translated as the “Night of Power” or “Night of Decree,” is believed by Muslims to be the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It occurs during the final ten nights of Ramadan and is considered more rewarding than a thousand months of worship. While the 27th night is widely believed to be Laylat ul Qadr, the exact night is not definitively known and could fall on any of the odd nights in the last ten days of the holy month.
UAE Mosques Prepare for Massive Crowds
Authorities in the UAE anticipated huge crowds during the final nights of Ramadan and made special arrangements around major mosques. These included additional transport services, parking spaces, and security measures to accommodate the large number of worshippers expected to attend the late-night prayers. At the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, thousands gathered shoulder-to-shoulder in prayer, filling expansive courtyards and prayer halls.
Devotion at Islam’s Holiest Sites in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, similarly large crowds gathered at Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, two of the holiest sites in Islam. Pilgrims performing Umrah and local worshippers alike joined in the special night prayers, creating a powerful scene of devotion as thousands raised their hands in supplication. The atmosphere inside the Grand Mosque in Mecca was described as deeply spiritual, with worshippers filling every available space around the Kaaba and spilling into surrounding courtyards.
Laylat ul Qadr: A Night of Immense Blessings
Laylat ul Qadr holds a unique place in Islamic belief, with worship performed on this night considered better than that performed over a thousand months. This makes it one of the most spiritually significant opportunities for believers to seek forgiveness and divine mercy. Since the exact date is unknown, Muslims are encouraged to intensify their worship throughout the last ten nights of Ramadan, engaging in charity and seeking spiritual closeness to God.
Anticipation Builds for Eid Al Fitr
As Ramadan nears its conclusion, preparations for Eid al-Fitr are beginning across the Muslim world. However, for many believers, the final nights of Ramadan remain a time for reflection, repentance, and devotion rather than celebration. The scenes of worship during Laylat ul Qadr in the UAE and Saudi Arabia highlight the deep spiritual unity shared by Muslims globally, with worshippers gathering under the night sky in prayer to experience the most profound moment of Ramadan, defined by faith, humility, and hope for divine mercy.
