As the last 10 days of Ramadan approach, are preparing for this spiritually significant time with renewed fervour and special nightly prayers.

Considered the most pious period of the year, many devotees will visit mosques for prayers that begin at midnight, dedicating the entire night to worship through activities such as reading the holy Quran, and reflecting on their faith as they pray to Allah.

This year, Dubai resident Lilik Priyadi plans to spend the last 10 nights of exploring mosques around the emirate. The Indonesian expat, who typically prays at the mosque closest to his home, has already visited seven different mosques for Taraweeh prayers. "For the Qiyam-al-layl prayers, I am hoping to explore more mosques," said Lilik, who has lived in Dubai for four years.

Qiyam-al-layl, which literally translates to 'standing through the night', refers to the acts of worship Muslims engage in during the last 10 days. Of these, the most significant one is the special night prayer, also known as Tahajjud, which begins after midnight. The exact timing of the prayers and duration varies from mosque to mosque. Meanwhile, the nightly Taraweeh prayers will continue as normal until the end of Ramadan. 

Lilik Priyadi. Photo: Supplied

For Lilik, one of the highlights of his mosque hopping experience is the opportunity to meet new people. “Dubai’s multicultural environment means every mosque visit is an opportunity to meet new people. I’ve met so many fascinating people this Ramadan," he shared.

However, despite the diversity, Lilik admitted that he misses the traditional street food culture of Indonesia. "Back home, after prayers, vendors would sell delicious traditional street food. I miss that, but I’ve come to love Indian food here, like puri bhaji, karak chai, and samosas. That’s what I love about Dubai — it introduces you to so many different cultures.”

To manage the expected surge in people and traffic, Dubai Police have completed . The Dubai Events Security Committee has taken steps to ensure safe arrival and departure from mosques, while also organising parking spaces to reduce congestion.

The last 10 days of Ramadan also mark the observance of Laylatul Qadr, the night when the Quran was revealed. This sacred night is believed to fall on one of the odd nights during the final 10 days. This year, Laylatul Qadr will begin on Thursday, March 20, and continue through Friday, March 28.

Abu Dhabi resident Mohamed Faisal shared that this year, the night prayers have been more challenging as he balances taking care of his newborn twins and his work. “It has been difficult, but these are the nights you cannot miss the reward for,” he said. “We have been having a lot of sleepless nights because of the babies and I am expecting the coming days to be no different. At work, we have flexible start timings so I plan to go in a little bit late.”

Faisal, along with his friends, goes to the mosques around his area which have the most melodious qaris (Quran reciters). “We discuss which mosque has good reciters and go there,” he said. “It is a truly beautiful experience to pray behind a qari who has melodious recitation.” 

Several renowned reciters come to the UAE during the holy month and lead prayers at various mosques around the country. This year reciters like Abdulaziz Az-Zahrani from Saudi Arabia and Talal Rashid Al Aissai from Oman are in the country during the last 10 days of Ramadan

For Dubai resident Mehnaz Anshah, the last 10 nights are a family affair. Her husband, two daughters, and mother-in-law, who is visiting from India, will join her for the night prayers. “Luckily, this year the term break starts just as the last 10 days begin so I am hoping that the four of us will be able to go to the mosque together,” she said. “My mother-in-law is also visiting us from India so we will be taking her with us, as and when her health permits.”

The family regularly prays at the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum mosque in Zabeel, which they prefer for its beautiful Quran recitations. “They have the most melodious reciters,” she said.

After the prayers, Mehnaz and her family often stop at local eateries for a bite or even a Suhoor meal. “Sometimes we just stop for a tea and sometimes we have a Suhoor meal on our way back,” she said.

“Growing up in Karama, some of my best Ramadan memories were the meals and family time after the night prayers," she reflected. "We always try to recreate that experience for our daughters."