The Sacred Night of Ramadan Brings a Record 2.5 Million Muslims to Makkah

Ramadan’s Sacred Night Draws Record 2.5 Million Muslims to Makkah

A record 2.5 million Muslims gathered to the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for one of Ramadan’s holiest nights. As night prayers commemorated the last Friday of Ramadan, the General Authority for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah reported smooth Umrah arrangements for many pilgrims.


Many considered Laylat Al Qadr (The Night of Destiny) the spiritual peak of the holy month, marking Gabriel’s first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Mohammed. Believers believe their prayers will be answered more on this night.

Muslim nations celebrated by letting kids stay up late and keeping stores up until dawn. Director general of the Saudi Traffic Directorate Mohammed Al Bassami confirmed the record turnout, praising the careful preparation and quadrupled security troops to keep the throng safe.

As Umrah pilgrims and worshippers filled the Grand Mosque and its courtyards for the Isha, Taraweeh, and Qiyam Al Layl prayers, local media praised the record turnout. Abdulrahman Al Sudais, head of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, conducted a special prayer to end the evening.

Prophet Mohammed said Laylat Al Qadr happens among the final 10 nights of Ramadan, especially on an odd-numbered night, with many believing it’s the 27th. The crowd in Makkah showed how important this night was to Muslims worldwide as they sought blessings and spiritual fulfilment throughout Ramadan.

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