10,000 attend Taraweeh prayer led by Saudi imam

Over 10,000 worshippers flocked to the Grand Rashidiya Mosque for the Taraweeh prayer led by popular Imam Sheikh Idrees Abkar on Wednesday night.   The Saudi scholar, known for his tuneful voice, enchanted and brought tears to the eyes of the faithful who came from across the country to the mosque opposite the Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3. The function, which is part of a programme the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai runs every Ramadan, hosts a number of renowned readers of the Holy Quran from across the Islamic world. The annual event, themed ‘Dubai Quraa (Quran Readers)’, is held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Abkar said the move was a bright idea and a real heavenly gift bestowed on this safe country. “People get closer to Almighty Allah in the holy month of Ramadan.” He added that the faithful left all worldly affairs behind and dedicated themselves for worship. “They keep reciting the Quran, supplicating, giving for charity, and doing good things in a unique spiritual atmosphere.” Shaikh Abkar said listening to the Quran from a beautiful voice, particularly during prayer, had a very significant influence on worshippers who needed to take the chance to refresh their faith in Almighty Allah. “People become more humble and listen attentively to nice voices reciting the Quran to regret their sins, ask for forgiveness, and seek guidance to be happy both in life and the Hereafter.” Most of the people praying behind him in the Taraweeh Prayer were Emirati youth. “This is a promising phenomenon that we should all pay more attention to. Young people need no know more about the tolerant teachings of Islam.” Sheikh Abkar finished his prayer with a very tuneful supplication that made all people present cry hard out of influence. He prayed to Almighty Allah to save this country and protect it against all evils. Dr Omar Al Khatib, Assistant Director-General of the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai, said the emirate was very keen to host readers famous for tuneful voices from around the world. “Thousands of Muslims, men and women, old and young, flock to the Grand Rashidiya Mosque every Ramadan to pray behind a group of elite scholars and enjoy their enchanting recitation.” Khaleej times