In Egypt, more than 30,000 Muslims gathered to pray for what is believed to be the night of destiny, known in Arabic as Laylatu Al-Qadr, VOA news reports. Muslims memorize on this night the first revelation of the Holy Quran and believe that Allah listens to their prayers. Cairo-based photojournalist Hamada Elrasam has more from Cairo.
1. Muslims gather at Amr Ibn al-As mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Cairo, for Ramadan’s night of destiny prayers in old Cairo, Egypt, May 31, 2019.
2. Muslims arrive before sunset to the mosque with food and drink to break their fast in old Cairo, Egypt, May 31, 2019.
3. People distribute food, water and drinks to Muslims coming to attend the prayers at Amr Ibn al-As mosque, in old Cairo, Egypt, May 31, 2019.
4. Fasting Muslims gather to break their fast at Amr Ibn al-As mosque in old Cairo, Egypt, May 31, 2019.
5. Ambulances wait to aid people who collapse from overcrowding and heat at Amr Ibn al-As mosque, in old Cairo, Egypt, May 31, 2019.
6. Muslims attend the prayers and some follow the Imam’s recitation in their Qurans in Amr Ibn al-As mosque, in old Cairo, Egypt, May 31, 2019.
7. A young Muslim takes a break from the prayers, which lasted a few hours in Amr Ibn al-As mosque, in old Cairo, Egypt, May 31, 2019.
8. Muslims gathered in mosques across Egypt, especially in the first mosque built in Egypt and Africa, Amr Ibn al-As mosque, in old Cairo district, May 31, 2019. On Ramadan’s 27th night, Muslims pray in groups on what is believed to be the night of destiny.
9. Muslim men and women stand in lines that stretch into the surrounding streets as the 13,200 square meter mosque filled completely, in old Cairo, Egypt, May 31, 2019.
10. After the end of the rituals, Muslims pose for a selfie in Amr Ibn al-As mosque, in old Cairo, Egypt, May 31, 2019.