Balila and Al-Qasim appointed to deliver the Friday sermon at the Two Holy Mosques on the first of Shawwal
Announcement of the Friday sermons at the Two Holy Mosques for the first of Shawwal
The General Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina has announced the names of the imams and preachers who will lead the Friday prayer on the first day of Shawwal. This announcement comes as part of the Presidency's ongoing organizational efforts to ensure the provision of the highest quality religious and guidance services to visitors of the Two Holy Mosques. It has been decided that these esteemed scholars will lead the prayers and deliver the Friday sermon on this blessed day, which follows the holy month of Ramadan, thus giving it a special and unique spiritual character for Muslims.
Sheikh Bandar Balila as a preacher at the Grand Mosque
In Mecca, near the Holy Kaaba, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Bandar Balila leads the Friday prayer and delivers the sermon at the Grand Mosque. The Friday sermon at the Grand Mosque holds immense significance, as millions of Muslims from around the world turn their eyes and ears towards this magnificent pulpit. Sheikh Bandar Balila is distinguished by his moving style and reverent recitation, which touches the hearts of the worshippers, enhancing the atmosphere of faith and spirituality within the ancient House. The Presidency works to provide all necessary technical and logistical support to ensure that the sound reaches all worshippers in the courtyards and extended arcades with clarity and purity.
Sheikh Abdul-Muhsin Al-Qasim as a preacher at the Prophet's Mosque
In Medina, the city of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), Sheikh Dr. Abdulmohsen Al-Qasim leads the prayers and delivers the sermon at the Prophet's Mosque. The pulpit of the Prophet's Mosque holds a profound historical and religious significance, as it was from here that the tolerant message of Islam was disseminated to all of humanity. Through his sermons, Sheikh Al-Qasim is keen to offer religious guidance that resonates with the realities of Muslims and reinforces the values of moderation, balance, and tolerance that the true Islamic faith encourages. His sermons are delivered amidst a large gathering of visitors and worshippers who come to pray in the Rawdah Al-Sharifah (the area between the Prophet's grave and his pulpit) and to offer their greetings to the Prophet.
Regional and international dimensions of the sermons of the Two Holy Mosques
The impact of Friday sermons at the Two Holy Mosques extends far beyond the local sphere within Saudi Arabia, reaching regional and international audiences. Through the "Manarat Al-Haramain" platform and various satellite and radio channels, these sermons are broadcast and translated into multiple languages. This technological and outreach effort ensures that the message of moderate Islam reaches millions of Muslims worldwide, contributing to Islamic unity, presenting a positive image of Islam, and countering extremist ideologies. The pulpits of the Two Holy Mosques represent a major religious authority, and their guidance is of paramount importance to Muslims everywhere.
Leadership efforts in serving those visiting the Two Holy Mosques
These periodic arrangements are part of a comprehensive system of services overseen by the General Presidency for Religious Affairs, reflecting the utmost care that the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia bestows upon the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. Since the unification of the Kingdom, the wise leadership has dedicated all available material and human resources to expanding the Two Holy Mosques, developing their facilities, and creating a pure and spiritually enriching environment that enables pilgrims and visitors to perform their rituals and acts of worship with ease, comfort, and tranquility. The selection of highly qualified scholars and religious figures to lead prayers at the Two Holy Mosques is a culmination of these blessed efforts in serving Islam and Muslims.
