Abu Dhabi’s iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is putting on its finest robes and rolling out the red carpet as it readies itself to welcome throngs of worshippers and visitors for the upcoming Ramadan festivities.
Countdown To Spiritual Month
With the UAE’s International Astronomy Centre confirming the sighting of the Sheban crescent moon on February 10, the countdown to Ramadan began, setting the stage for a month of spiritual reflection and devotion, set to commence on March 11.
Embracing Record Numbers Of Visitors
Last year, the globally renowned mosque played host to a staggering 684,945 guests from across the globe, with over 60,000 worshippers flocking to its hallowed halls on the 27th night of Ramadan to partake in Laylat Al Qadr, the Night of Power.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has left no minaret unturned in its preparations, forming dedicated committees and teams to cater to the needs of worshippers and visitors alike throughout the holy month. A force of 580 volunteers, alongside centre staff, Emirates Red Crescent, law enforcement, paramedics, and civil defence personnel, stands ready to ensure a seamless experience for all.
Care and Comfort Of The Holy Visitors At Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
In a bid to ensure the comfort and convenience of worshippers, the centre has rolled out an array of amenities, including 70 electric cars ferrying worshippers from car parks to prayer halls, with priority given to the elderly and differently-abled. Additionally, 50,000 breakfast meals are on offer for workers, complemented by 8,379 parking spaces, 1,500 of which are reserved for women and over 60 for individuals with disabilities.
As Ramadan’s arrival looms, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, will mark the holy month’s advent with the firing of the ceremonial cannon, a daily tradition throughout Ramadan, signalling the commencement of Iftar and the onset of Eid Al Fitr.
Embracing Tradition At Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Ramadan, a cornerstone of the Islamic faith observed by over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, symbolises the period when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed. Fasting during this sacred month, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a mandatory practice for all healthy Muslims, fostering spiritual growth and communal unity.
As the crescent moon ushers in the holy month, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands as a beacon of serenity, ready to embrace worshippers and visitors in an atmosphere of reverence, reflection, and renewal.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images
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