Over two million faithfuls offered prayers and supplicated to Almighty Allah on the 27th night of Ramadan, widely believd to be the Night of Power, here Friday. King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, is already in the holy city to spend the last 10 days of Ramadan in the vicinity of the Holy Ka'ba and to oversee the services offered to Guests of Allah. Friday sermons Earlier in the day, Umrah pilgrims and visitors performed the holy month's last Friday prayer at the Grand Mosque. They were reminded of the blessings and rewards of the holy month of Ramadan in Friday sermons delivered by Sheikh Dr. Saud Al-Shurayem, Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and Sheikh Ali Bin Abdulrahamn Al-Huthaifi, Imam and Khateeb of the Prophet's Mosque in Madina. “Follow Allah's commands and refrain from whatever angers Him in order to win His mercy and forgiveness,” Sheikh Al-Shurayem said in his sermon. Sheikh Al-Huthaifi in his sermon said that Ramadan was the high time for Muslims to overcome shortcomings and dedicate themselves to worshipping Allah. He reminded Muslims of the innumerable blessings of this great month. He said Almighty Allah gives more than anyone can expect so everyone should meet this with gratitude to Almighty Allah by supplicating and glorifying Him. Highlighting the blessings of this month, Sheikh Al-Shurayem said the holy month was as sweet as honey and bestowed on souls tranquility and peace which can be felt only by those who fast the month and fear Allah in all their deeds. He said the blessed month is a month of the Holy Qur'an, which gives believers a unique opportunity to ponder on the uncountable wonders of Almighty Allah and to derive wisdom from them. He said Almighty Allah decreed Zakat Al-Fitr as compulsory for every free and slave male and female adult and child, pointing out that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to give it before going to Eid prayers and the Prophet's companions (May Allah be pleased with them) used to give it one day or two days before Eid. All measures in place All agencies involved in Haj services have mobilized their potentials to provide quality services to visitors and Umrah pilgrims to enable them to perform their rituals in ease and comfort. Under the direct supervision of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah region and Chairman of the Central Haj Committee, the government agencies have been implementing Ramadan plans. The General Presidency of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has made necessary arrangements and preparations to deal with the tremendous increase in the number of worshippers, who are expected to exceed four million in the last odd nights of Ramadan. It has deployed more than 6,000 male and female workers to carry out its plans for these two great nights. The presidency has intensified guidance and enlightenment programs through religious sessions led by scholars and preachers to guide Umrah pilgrims and worshippers to perform their rituals according to Shariah and also to answer their questions on matters of jurisprudence. It has opened more than 100 Fatwa offices in different parts of the Holy Haram and assigned scholars to answer questions in different languages. It has also assigned more than 3,000 workers to organize the entry and exit of pilgrims and secured more than 10,000 wheelchairs for the elderly and those with special needs.
