By IINA,
Makkah : About 2.1 million worshippers performed Friday prayers at the Haram Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. This was under the direct supervision of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, who is spending the last ten days of the fasting month in the vicinity of the Holy Kaaba, and follow up of Makkah Governor Prince Khaled bin Faisal.
In his Friday sermon, Shoura Council Chairman Saleh bin Homaid exhorted believers to step up their pious and charitable acts and do deeds that strengthen social and filial ties in the month of Ramadan. “You should vie with each other in obeying the commands of God by doing virtuous deeds and helping others,” Sheikh Homaid said while addressing a mammoth gathering sitting in rows at the Haram Mosque and its courtyards under the scorching heat. Fasting in Ramadan serves as a shield against the evil temptations as the gates of Jahannam (Hell) will be shuttered and the gates of the Jannah (Paradise) will be wide open, the imam said adding that the opportunity to immerse in worship in the month is also an occasion for joy and mutual congratulation.
Over 1.6 million worshippers thronged the Grand Mosque in Makkah while half a million performed the prayers in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. Pilgrims and visitors who thronged the holy mosques performed prayers in ease and comfort. The Makkah Municipality appointed 5,600 laborers to keep the Haram Mosque and the courtyards clean and hygienic, The Traffic Department Makkah was successful in ensuring smooth flow of traffic movement in the holy city. It is estimated that more than 150000 vehicles entered the Holy City last night. The police authorities mobilized all their potentialities for the service of the visitors and Umrah performers. The civil defense department made 4200 officers and soldiers available for service around the clock.