The last ten nights of Ramadan are the most special time in the whole year for Muslims. On the 25th night of Ramadan 2026, more than two million people came together at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah.
The whole mosque and every open space around the Holy Kaaba were full. People stood side by side to pray, no matter where they came from, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Morocco, Turkey, the United States, and many other countries. Everyone was there for the same reason: to ask Allah for forgiveness and blessings.
Many worshippers also started Itikaf during these nights. Itikaf means staying inside the mosque, away from daily life, to pray, read the Quran, and remember Allah all the time. Saudi authorities gave sleeping bags, pillows, and other things so the people doing Itikaf could stay comfortable.
Tahajjud prayers began after midnight. Thousands of extra people came just for these night prayers, hoping to catch Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree. The Quran says that one night is better than a thousand months of worship. That is why the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th) become so crowded.
In the first twenty days of Ramadan 2026 alone, more than 96 million people visited the Two Holy Mosques. Out of them, about 57 million prayed at Masjid al-Haram and 15 million performed Umrah. These huge numbers show how much love and devotion Muslims have for these holy places.
