Sheikh Mishary to lead Taraweeh at Rashidiya Mosque

Popular Quran reciter Sheikh Mishary Rashid Al Afasy will lead the Taraweeh prayer tonight at the Grand Rashidiya Mosque opposite the Dubai International Airport. The Kuwaiti imam, known for his tuneful voice, is the eighth of the 11 renowned Sheikhs from five Arab countries chosen to lead the prayers as part of the Quraa Dubai programme.

The second edition of the programme was initiated last year by the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai (IACAD) under the generous sponsorship of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Thousands of faithful men and women from across the UAE have been flocking to the mosque since the first day of Ramadan to enjoy the beautiful recitation of the eminent imams.

Dr Hamad Al Shaibani, Director-General, IACAD, said the second edition of the programme has two Emirati imams for the first time, along with nine others from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Yemen and Morocco.

“The 11 imams will lead people in the Taraweeh prayer, mostly for two days each, and in the late night prayers in the blessed last ten days of Ramadan.”

The programme saw over 10,000 people last year, Al Shaibani told Khaleej Times. “This number is expected to exceed 15,000 this year, particularly with the newly installed tents for men and women.

Jassim Al Khazraji, Deputy Chairman of Quraa Dubai’s higher committee, said they have installed a big tent for men for the first time this year, as well as additional parking spaces. Dr Omar Al Khatib, Assistant Director-General, IACAD, said the programme started with Emirati reciter Khalifa Al Tunaiji, followed by Adel Rayan, Muhammad Mubarak, Saad Al Ghamidi, Nasir Al Qatami, Salman Al Utaybi, and Dr Yasser Al Dosari.

“Mishary Rashid Al Afasy, Jasem Al Ameri, Abdulmajeed Al Arkani, and Mahjoob Balfaqeh will lead prayers from July 17 to 27.”

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com