“There is no end to the blessings of the Holy Qur’an. The means to achieve its blessings is by following the path paved by the Messenger (peace be upon him), who closely followed the holy book,” Sheikh Khayyat said. The sheikh also advised the believers to increase good deeds in Ramadan so that their sins are forgiven.

Pilgrims and visitors started to flock to the Haram area since morning and the floors and courtyards were overflowing with worshippers by noon.

Civil Defense and first aid workers were geared to face any eventuality resulting from crowding and rising temperatures. Security men took necessary steps to stop beggars and pickpockets harassing pilgrims.

In order to help old and infirm worshippers more than 5,000 wheelchairs and 100 electric wheelchairs were available in the Haram.

A number of gates of the mosque enabled wheelchair entry.

At the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, Imam Sheikh Abdul Mohsen Al-Qassim delivered the sermon on the second Friday in the blessed month. He told the thousands present in the mosque that the special significance of Ramadan was that the Holy Qur’an was revealed during the month.

“Almighty Allah revealed the Holy Qur’an in this month and made fasting obligatory in it. It is the month of liberation from sins, forgiveness and charity,” the sheikh said, adding that the believers should continue doing good deeds along with fasting in this month to progress spiritually.

He also said Ramadan is the occasion to purify our souls and clean our minds of hatred and animosity. He urged people to provide food to the poor.

He also pointed out the importance of performing Umrah in Ramadan. The preacher also called women to use the month to strengthen themselves by scrupulously following the religious principles, upholding their honor and protecting their chastity.