MAKKAH — More than 2 million faithful, including hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, attended Khatm Al-Qur'an prayer (conclusion of the Holy Qur'an) at the Grand Mosque here Wednesday. Worshipers thronged the Holy Haram quite early and the sacred place was overcrowded well before Iftar (breaking of the fast) as the faithful wanted to take part in the prayers to mark the end of the recitation of the holy book during Taraweeh (night) and Qiyamullail (late night) prayers at the mosque. The imam of the Grand Mosque beseeched Almighty Allah to strengthen Muslim unity and to help the Ummah to collectively face the growing challenges. He also prayed for improving the situation of Muslims all over the world. He invoked Allah to forgive the sins of Muslims and encouraged them to continue with the spirit of Ramadan and lead a better life on the basis of Islamic teachings. The ongoing work for the third Saudi expansion of the Grand Mosque had little impact on the fervor and zeal of the worshipers. All streets leading to the Haram — Umm Al-Qura, Misfalah, Ajyad and those near the Safa and Marwah hillocks were full with worshipers who had neatly lined up their prayer mats on the pavements. Many worshipers were seen praying while standing in the courtyards and streets around the Grand Mosque to attend the prayer. The worshipers experienced their spiritual moments in an atmosphere of tranquility, peace and security provided by the Saudi authorities as part of many other services aimed at enabling pilgrims and worshipers to do their rituals in ease and comfort. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman is in the vicinity of the Grand Mosque to supervise the services being extended by various government and private agencies to the guests of God. The King is supported by Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior; Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, second deputy premier and minister of defense, and other senior cabinet members. Appeal to sight crescent The Supreme Judicial Council has urged Muslims to look for the Shawwal crescent on Thursday.
