Worshippers pack out Makkah, Madinah Grand Mosques for Laylat Al-Qadr prayers

Muslim worshippers pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca on April 17, 2023, on the night of 27 Ramadan, believed to be Laylat al-Qadr, one of the holiest nights during the holy fasting month of Ramadan. (Photo courtesy: AFP)

• Laylat Al-Qadr is considered one of the most blessed nights in the Islamic calendar
• Ramadan one of busiest times of the year at Grand Mosque in Makkah and Prophet's Mosque in Madinah

RIYADH: Millions of worshippers filled the Grand Mosques in Makkah and Madinah on the 27th night of Ramadan, considered by many to be Laylat Al-Qadr, a blessed night on the Islamic calendar.

Saudi authorities have been managing the influx of pilgrims to the holy mosques during the month of Ramadan, one of the busiest times of the year.

More than a million visitors were present at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Sunday.

General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque said there were 4,000 workers on hand at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and that the mosque was being clean around the clock by 70 field teams.

A new initiative was launched at the Grand Mosque in Makkah to improve the visitor experience for elderly and disabled pilgrims.

The project is part of the “It is an Honor to Serve Our Pilgrims” campaign which looks to ensure worshippers receive the best possible service from the moment of their arrival until they depart.

The head of the presidency, Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, led worshippers in emotional night prayers in Makkah.