With the arrival of the first night of the blessed month of Ramadan, the Prophet's Mosque in Medina witnessed a massive influx of worshippers from within the Kingdom and abroad to perform the Isha and Taraweeh prayers, in a magnificent display of faith reflecting the longing and yearning for this holy month. A spiritual atmosphere filled with reverence and tranquility prevailed, as the mosque's halls, courtyards, and rooftops overflowed with worshippers supplicating to God through prayer, remembrance, and recitation of the Quran.
The worshippers were led in the Isha prayer and the first two rak’ahs of the Tarawih prayer by Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al-Buaijan, while the worshippers were led in the last two rak’ahs with the Shafa’ and Witr prayers by Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Barhaji, as their sweet voices resonated with verses of the Holy Quran, adding tranquility and dignity to the place.
Historical context and importance of Tarawih prayers
Tarawih prayers are among the most prominent rituals observed by Muslims during Ramadan. They are a special night prayer performed during this holy month. Although the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) led them in congregation for a few days before discontinuing this practice for fear it would become obligatory for his community, their regular congregational performance was established during the reign of the Rightly Guided Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (may God be pleased with him). He gathered the people behind a single imam, thus making it a confirmed Sunnah (practice of the Prophet) observed by Muslims throughout the world. These prayers acquire particular significance when performed in the Two Holy Mosques: the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, where the reward is multiplied and the spiritual experience is heightened.
Integrated efforts to serve the guests of God
This spiritual atmosphere was complemented by a comprehensive system of services provided by the General Authority for the Care of the Prophet's Mosque, in accordance with the directives of the wise leadership to provide the utmost comfort and tranquility for visitors to the mosque. The Authority completed its operational preparations well in advance, equipping and preparing the mosque's courtyards and extensions with the finest carpets to accommodate the expected large numbers of worshippers. Ample quantities of blessed Zamzam water were also made available, and cleaning and sanitization operations were intensified around the clock. Furthermore, air conditioning and fan systems were activated to ensure a comfortable environment for worshippers.
Religious significance and global influence
The sight of the first Taraweeh prayer in the Prophet's Mosque holds immense symbolic significance for Muslims worldwide. It not only marks the beginning of the month of fasting and prayer in Islam's second holiest site, but it is also an event followed by millions across screens and digital platforms, uniting them in a shared spiritual experience. This event reflects the pivotal role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving Islam and Muslims and in caring for the Two Holy Mosques. It also highlights the tremendous organizational and security efforts undertaken to ensure the safety and comfort of the millions of visitors and pilgrims who flock to Medina during this blessed month, further solidifying the Kingdom's position as the beating heart of the Islamic world.
