Thousands flock to Rashidiya mosque

Thousands of people flocked to the Grand Rashidiya Mosque over the last three days to enjoy the serine and tuneful recitation of popular Saudi Imam Sheikh Saad Al Ghamidi.

The former Imam of the Holy Mosque in Madinah led the faithful in Taraweeh prayers on July 6-8 as part of the Quraa Dubai programme.

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

Talking to Khaleej Times, Al Ghamidi said this was his fourth year to lead people in Taraweeh prayers in the emirate of Dubai.

“This is also my second straight year to pray in the Grand Rashidiya Mosque opposite the Dubai International Airport.”

The grand mosque has become a shiny hub for all reciters of the Holy Quran from around the world, he added. “Imams are very keen to enjoy the spiritual lifting of the holy month of Ramadan here.”

Al Ghamidi said the Taraweeh and late night prayers have been advised by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). “The big number of the faithful does encourage the Quran reciter to enhance and beautify his recitation as much as possible.”

The eminent Saudi imam, known for his beautiful voice, expressed his happiness with the young people who rushed to the mosque to offer prayers on a regular basis.

“The youth are urged to recite the Holy Quran as much as they can, mull over its miraculous and meaningful verses, truly reflect its supreme ethics, and observe its orders and prohibitions to be happy in life and the Hereafter.”

Al Ghamidi paid tributes to Shaikh Mohammed for sponsoring the Quraa Dubai programme for the second year in a row. “Such a generous sponsorship is not new for the leaders and people of the UAE.”

The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai announced in June the popular Quran reciters to lead Muslims in the Taraweeh prayers at the Grand Rashidiya Mosque.

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

“The eleven imams are to lead people in the Taraweeh prayers, mostly for two days each, let alone the Qiyam or late night prayers in the last blessed ten days of Ramadan.”

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

Dr Omar Al Khatib, assistant director-general of the IACAD, said the programme started with Emirati reciter Khalifa Al Tunaiji, followed by Adel Rayan, Muhammad Mubarak, and Saad Al Ghamidi.

Nasir Al Qatami, Salman Al Utaybi, Dr Yasser Al Dosari, Mishary Al Afasy, Jasem Al Ameri, Abdulmajeed Al Arkani, and Mahjoob Balfaqeh will lead prayers till July 27.

Jassim Al Khazraji, deputy chairman of the ‘Quraa Dubai’ higher committee, said they have installed a big tent for men for the first time this year, as well as additional parking spaces.

“For enquiries and further information, men may contact 050-2424006 and women 056-1638332.”

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com