1.2m people visit Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque during Ramadan

Since its establishment, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque has been enjoying the full support of the UAE's wise leadership.-KT file photo

Abu Dhabi - The mosque echoes those sublime religious and cultural values instilled by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Over 1.2 million people visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque during Ramadan, including 66,537 worshipers on the night of the 27^th day of the holy month alone, according to authorities.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre administration said that throughout the holy month, up to 854,090 Muslims end their fast at the mosque, 289,921 people came for prayers while 107,608 visitors were welcomed at the mosque.
Renowned imams Sheikh Idrees Abkar, and Sheikh Yahia Ayshan took turns, leading Ishaa and Taraweeh prayers that brought together around 110,158 worshippers. The predawn prayers (Tahajjud) saw around 109,388 people who were offered nightly lectures on different subjects related to the culture and ethics of Ramadan, the values of tolerance, peaceful co-existence, compassion and mercy.
"Since its establishment, Sheikh Zayed Mosque has been enjoying the full support of the UAE's wise leadership, and it is this backing we receive from our leaders that has turned the mosque to a favoured destination for fasting Muslims and worshippers from different nationalities and cultures, including men, women and families," said Dr Yousef Al Obaidly, director-general of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre.
"The mosque echoes those sublime religious and cultural values instilled by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who bequeathed a noble legacy to his countrymen that earned our nation a unique place in the world through his far-sighted social and political vision."
During Ramadan, dozens of large portable air conditioning systems and large red and gold carpets are moved into the grand mosque's central courtyard to accommodate the influx of worshippers during the holy month.
The Abu Dhabi Police and the UAE Armed Forces were always at the mosque during the evening to guide worshippers and help control the traffic. Ambulances clinic provided police and medical authorities are also on site for the duration of Ramadan.
"I was amazed by the big crowd during Tahajjud," said Indian worshipper Faisal Mohammed, 27, who attended the prayers on the night of the 27^th day of Ramadan for the first time. "I felt the spirit of Ramadan and the closeness to Allah. This was the first time in my life to perform a prayer in such a mass congregation."
Ugandan expat Hassan Kasozi, 29, who came to the UAE last year, said being able to perform Tahajjud at Sheikh Zayed Mosque on the night of Laylatul-Qadr has been the most important thing during his stay in the UAE. "I was so honoured performing Tahajjud with thousands of worshippers at the grand mosque on the night of Laylatul Qadr. This is the most important night during Ramadan and spending it at the magnificent grand mosque has been the most exciting thing for me in Abu Dhabi," said Kasozi.

Visitors in numbers