The first Taraweeh prayer at the Grand Mosque: a spiritual atmosphere and comprehensive services

This evening, crowds of worshippers and pilgrims performed the Isha prayer and the first Taraweeh prayer of the holy month of Ramadan in the courtyards of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, amidst an atmosphere of faith filled with reverence and tranquility, as huge crowds flocked from all parts of the world to witness these blessed moments next to the Holy Kaaba.

The beginning of the season of devotion and spirituality

With the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan, the Grand Mosque in Mecca was adorned with splendor and light, as the voices of the imams resonated with verses from the Holy Quran on the first night of the blessed month. The Taraweeh prayers at the Grand Mosque are an annual event eagerly anticipated by Muslims worldwide, not only those physically present but also those watching on television, due to their profound religious symbolism reflecting the unity of Muslims and their devotion to a single direction in the holiest of places.

This ritual carries a deep historical and spiritual dimension, as Muslims throughout the centuries have been keen to revive the nights of Ramadan in the Two Holy Mosques, seeking forgiveness and mercy, and embodying the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

An integrated service system for the comfort of worshippers

As part of the extensive preparations, the relevant authorities successfully managed the crowds with high efficiency, ensuring smooth entry and exit despite the large numbers. The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque provided a safe and conducive environment for worship through an integrated system of services that included:

• Hygiene and sterilization: Intensifying washing, disinfection and perfuming operations throughout the mosque and its courtyards to ensure a healthy environment.
• Crowd management: Allocating specific routes for worshippers and pilgrims to avoid overcrowding, and guiding them smoothly to vacant prayer areas.
• Mobility services: Providing large numbers of electric and regular vehicles to serve the elderly and people with disabilities, with designated routes to ensure their safety and comfort while performing the rituals.

Zamzam water distribution... services that reach everyone

The Presidency did not neglect the aspect of providing water, as containers of blessed Zamzam water were spread throughout all corridors and prayer areas, in addition to teams distributing portable containers and backpacks designated for watering, and mobile carts in the Mataf area, which ensured that the blessed water reached all visitors easily and conveniently, especially during peak times.

Regional and global impact of the event

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's success in organizing these massive rituals reflects its exceptional ability to manage millions of pilgrims, further solidifying its position in the Islamic world as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. This massive influx also has a tangible economic and social impact, boosting the hospitality and transportation sectors in Mecca and contributing to the realization of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals, which aim to facilitate the hosting of millions of pilgrims and provide them with the highest quality services.

These efforts come as an extension of the wise leadership’s interest – may God support it – in the Two Holy Mosques, and its constant keenness to harness all human and technical capabilities to serve those who visit the Sacred House of God, so that they may perform their worship in ease and tranquility.