Saudi Arabia Welcomes Ramadan with Taraweeh Prayers Across the Kingdom

Mosques across Saudi Arabia were filled with worshipers on Friday night as the Kingdom officially welcomed the holy month of Ramadan with Taraweeh prayers.

The Saudi Supreme Court confirmed the sighting of the new crescent moon on Friday evening, marking Saturday as the first day of fasting. Muslims across the country, as well as in many other parts of the world, will begin observing dawn-to-dusk fasting from March 1, dedicating the next month to prayer, reflection, and charity.

Millions Gather for Taraweeh Prayers in Makkah and Madinah

Taraweeh, a special nightly prayer performed only during Ramadan, was held in mosques throughout the Kingdom, including at Islam’s holiest sites—the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. Both sites witnessed a massive turnout, as millions of worshipers and Umrah pilgrims sought spiritual rewards during the sacred month.

To accommodate the surge in visitors, Saudi authorities have deployed 11,000 workers to ensure smooth operations at the two mosques. Services such as transport, cleaning, and safety measures have been enhanced to maintain an organized and comfortable environment for worshipers.

Ramadan Draws Millions of Worshipers to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia continues to be a major destination for Muslim pilgrims during Ramadan. In 2024 alone, nearly 17 million visitors performed Umrah, with many choosing to observe fasting in Makkah and Madinah. The last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly Laylat al-Qadr, are expected to draw millions more.

In 2023, over 2.5 million worshipers gathered at the Grand Mosque on the 29th night of Ramadan for the completion of the Qur’an recitation, filling every available space inside and around the mosque.

Saudi Leaders Extend Ramadan Greetings

King Salman, in a message to the nation, extended his blessings to Muslims in Saudi Arabia and around the world, praying for peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment during Ramadan. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other top officials also conveyed their well wishes to the Muslim community, emphasizing the importance of faith, unity, and generosity throughout the month.

With the arrival of Ramadan, Saudi Arabia is once again at the heart of Islamic devotion, welcoming millions of worshipers as they embark on a month of spiritual renewal.