黑料社区

Faith and festivity shape Ramadan鈥檚 final nights

Faith and festivity shape Ramadan鈥檚 final nights
As Ramadan comes to a close, worship and Eid preparations shape the final nights. (Pexels)
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Updated 20 March 2025

Faith and festivity shape Ramadan鈥檚 final nights

Faith and festivity shape Ramadan鈥檚 final nights
  • Whether in the mosque or the marketplace, the last ten nights of Ramadan bring a special rhythm to the Kingdom
  • Many focus on worship and prayer, as well as preparations for Eid Al-Fitr

RIYADH: As Ramadan nears its end, the rhythm of life across 黑料社区 begins to shift. For some, the last ten nights bring an intense focus on worship and prayer, while for others, they are marked by preparations for Eid Al-Fitr, the festival that signals the end of fasting.
The change is noticeable, but how people experience it varies depending on their priorities, routines and even where they live.
鈥淭he last ten nights have a different feeling 鈥 everything becomes calmer and more peaceful,鈥 said Albendri Al-Majlad, a recent university graduate based in Riyadh.
鈥淓ven people鈥檚 hearts feel lighter. The atmosphere in mosques is completely different compared to the beginning of Ramadan.
鈥淎t first, we are busy with iftars, gatherings and social events, but in the last ten nights, the focus shifts entirely to worship, anticipation and quiet reflection,鈥 she said.
During these final nights, mosques across 黑料社区 become increasingly crowded as people dedicate themselves to prayer, hoping to witness Laylat Al-Qadr, the Night of Decree.
In Islam, this night is believed to be when God determines the fate of all creation for the coming year, decreeing matters of life, death and destiny.
Because its exact date is unknown, Muslims devote themselves to intense worship throughout the last ten nights in the hope of witnessing its blessings.
For many, this period is marked by additional prayers, including Taraweeh, a set of special evening prayers performed after the evening Isha prayer throughout Ramadan.
Another important form of worship is Qiyam Al-Layl, otherwise known as TaHajjud, a voluntary night prayer that takes place in the final third of the night.
Ali Al-Therwi, a systems engineer based in Jeddah, described how his routine shifts during this period.
鈥淪ince these nights might contain Laylat Al-Qadr, I dedicate more time to the prayers of Taraweeh and TaHajjud. I try to spend this holy month making the most of this opportunity,鈥 Al-Therwi said.
鈥淢y focus remains on reciting the Qur鈥檃n, prayer, fasting, charity and other acts of worship. In general, I鈥檝e noticed that people around me become more engaged in both religious and social activities during this period,鈥 he added.
In addition to worship, many also spend these nights preparing for Eid, bringing a different kind of movement in the city as markets and shopping centers see an influx of shoppers looking for clothing, decorations and sweets.
鈥淲hen it comes to movement in the city, I鈥檝e noticed that traffic increases in the streets and markets, especially as Eid approaches. People rush to buy gifts, new clothes and food, preparing for the celebrations,鈥 Al-Therwi said.
鈥淭he last ten nights feel different from the rest of Ramadan, not only because of the spiritual significance but also because of the excitement leading up to Eid.
鈥淭he atmosphere is filled with anticipation, as people are eager to both experience Laylat Al-Qadr and welcome Eid with joy,鈥 he said.
Although the exact date of Eid has not yet been determined, many are already preparing for its arrival while making the most of the final nights of Ramadan 鈥 whether through worship, family gatherings or community traditions.


黑料社区, other Arab and Muslim nations back Trump鈥檚 Gaza peace plan

黑料社区, other Arab and Muslim nations back Trump鈥檚 Gaza peace plan
Updated 21 min 55 sec ago

黑料社区, other Arab and Muslim nations back Trump鈥檚 Gaza peace plan

黑料社区, other Arab and Muslim nations back Trump鈥檚 Gaza peace plan
  • The US president unveils his 20-point proposal following talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House
  • The Arab and Muslim ministers say they welcome Trump鈥檚 鈥渟incere efforts鈥 and are confident in his ability to 鈥渇ind a path to peace鈥 in the region

RIYADH: Foreign ministers from 黑料社区, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Qatar and Egypt expressed support for a peace plan to end the war in Gaza unveiled by US President Donald Trump on Monday.

He announced his proposal during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following talks between the two leaders at the White House.

The Arab and Muslim ministers issued a joint statement in which they welcomed Trump鈥檚 鈥渟incere efforts鈥 and voiced confidence in his ability to 鈥渇ind a path to peace鈥 in the region.

They highlighted the importance of working in partnership with Washington in pursuit of peace, describing the proposal as a chance to advance a comprehensive settlement, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The plan offers a framework for stability, they added.

The proposal, contained in a 20-point document released by the White House, includes a ceasefire agreement, an exchange of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the reconstruction of Gaza with the assistance of the international community.

Humanitarian aid would be allowed to flow into Gaza in large amounts, with relief efforts run by 鈥渘eutral international bodies鈥 including the UN and Red Crescent. There would be no forced displacement of Palestinians from the territory.

The US would work with Arab and other international partners to create a transitional authority to oversee security in Gaza. The internationally recognized Palestinian Authority would initially have a limited 鈥渞epresentative鈥 role in this, and would be expected to commit to reforms before its role can be expanded, with the aim of it eventually being able to govern.

Though the proposal refers to the ultimate possibility of 鈥渁 credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood,鈥 the details of this were vague.

Netanyahu said he backed Trump鈥檚 plan. However, some elements seem to contradict the previously stated views of his government, in particular those related to the possibility of the Palestinian Authority eventually governing Gaza.

The plan also requires agreement from Hamas, which would be required to voluntarily disarm, effectively surrendering. Trump warned that should the group reject the deal, he could give Israeli authorities even more of a free hand to continue their military campaign in the war-ravaged territory.

In addition to backing Trump鈥檚 Gaza peace plan, the Arab and Muslim foreign ministers also welcomed the president鈥檚 pledge to block any attempt by Israel to annex the West Bank as a significant step.

The ministers outlined a series of commitments they believe to be essential for lasting peace, many of which were covered by Trump鈥檚 plan: efforts to ensure sufficient humanitarian aid reaches Gaza free from obstruction; the prevention of forced displacement of Palestinians; the release of hostages; establishment of a security mechanism for all parties; and a guarantee of full Israeli withdrawal from the territory.

They added that reconstruction of Gaza, and progress towards a two-state solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, in which Gaza and the West Bank form part of a fully sovereign Palestinian state, were 鈥渢he key to achieving regional stability and security.鈥


Greek diplomat praises 鈥榚xcellent momentum鈥 as Saudi-Greek ties deepen with cultural partnerships

Greek diplomat praises 鈥榚xcellent momentum鈥 as Saudi-Greek ties deepen with cultural partnerships
Updated 30 September 2025

Greek diplomat praises 鈥榚xcellent momentum鈥 as Saudi-Greek ties deepen with cultural partnerships

Greek diplomat praises 鈥榚xcellent momentum鈥 as Saudi-Greek ties deepen with cultural partnerships
  • 鈥楽ky鈥檚 the limit鈥 for cultural diplomacy, Maira Myrogianni says
  • Official highlights Year of Handicrafts as opportunity for shared projects, international exchange

RIYADH: 黑料社区 and Greece are pursuing new cultural initiatives in education, handicrafts and the culinary arts, building on the success of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, according to a Greek diplomat.

Maira Myrogianni, secretary-general for Greeks abroad and public diplomacy, said: 鈥淭here is very good momentum between the two countries 鈥 the diplomatic relations are at an excellent momentum and also we have a lot of signed agreements in the last years, in cultural, economic and different (fields).鈥

Speaking at the inaugural Cultural Investment Conference in Riyadh, she said the two countries held their first High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in January in AlUla, co-chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Greek Ambassador to 黑料社区 Alexis Konstantopoulos, center, receives a parting gift of a portrait created by Arab News鈥 cartoonist, presented by Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas, left, in the presence of Greek Secretary-General for Public Diplomacy Maira Myrogianni. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

In the field of public diplomacy, particularly culture, 鈥渢he sky is the limit,鈥 she told Arab News.

鈥淲e have ancient cultures, we have modern art. We have also started a task force called Crafting Greece 鈥 to promote the crafting,鈥 she said.

She pointed to opportunities for collaboration as 黑料社区 celebrates its Year of Handicrafts, with the Banaan Handicraft Week bringing together countries to showcase their traditions.  

HIGHLIGHT

The Cultural Investment Conference in Riyadh brings together artists, government officials, investors and diplomats for high-level discussions on culture as a driver of strategic investment.

On education, Myrogianni said there had been several meetings with the Saudi Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan.

鈥淲e have some Greek students studying in universities here and some Saudi students studying in Greece,鈥 she said.

鈥淚ts important to explore the possibilities to have a section of teaching the Greek language 鈥 we think this is the modern Greek language and this is also a part of culture.鈥 

Reflecting on her experience at the cultural forum, Myrogianni said she was 鈥渢horoughly impressed鈥 and that 鈥渋t was much better than I could have imagined.鈥

The secretary-general thanked the crown prince and Ministry of Culture for supporting cultural investment.

鈥淚t is a discussion that we need to have,鈥 she said. 鈥淭he fact that we have a first forum, dedicated at the global level 鈥 it鈥檚 a very good initiative and a very good intake for 黑料社区 and internationally as well.鈥

The two-day event, held under the patronage of the crown prince, brings together artists, government officials, investors and diplomats for high-level discussions on culture as a driver of strategic investment.

Myrogianni said that she was 鈥渁mazed鈥 by the rapid changes she had witnessed in 黑料社区, recalling her past visitors for the Future Investment Initiative forums.

The growing cultural, educational and economic exchanges between 黑料社区 and Greece reflect a partnership built on shared values and future ambitions. With new initiatives under discussion, both countries are deepening ties and ensuring the current momentum translates into lasting cooperation.

 


KSrelief donates school supplies to children in Yemen

More than 13,500 students across the four governorates are set to benefit from the initiative. (SPA)
More than 13,500 students across the four governorates are set to benefit from the initiative. (SPA)
Updated 29 September 2025

KSrelief donates school supplies to children in Yemen

More than 13,500 students across the four governorates are set to benefit from the initiative. (SPA)
  • This humanitarian support reflects 黑料社区鈥檚 commitment to providing essential resources and enhancing the quality of education in Yemen

LAHJ: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief recently distributed educational supplies to support displaced children and host communities in Yemen.

The donation, centered on the Tuban district of Lahj, comprised school uniforms, bags and hygiene kits for 1,589 students, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

A wider project, covering the Lahj, Abyan, Al-Dhale and Taiz regions, includes equipping schools with blackboards, training more than 600 teachers in active learning methods and raising awareness about the importance of education.

More than 13,500 students across the four governorates are set to benefit from the initiative.

This humanitarian support reflects 黑料社区鈥檚 commitment to providing essential resources and enhancing the quality of education in Yemen.

 


Hail camel auction begins in Al-Qaid

Hail camel auction begins in Al-Qaid
Updated 29 September 2025

Hail camel auction begins in Al-Qaid

Hail camel auction begins in Al-Qaid
  • The auction aims to stimulate both economic and heritage activities in the region and serves as a vital platform for exchanging expertise, forging business deals and strengthening connections among camel owners and breeders

HAIL: The Hail camel auction has begun in Al-Qaid, drawing enthusiasts from across the Kingdom for the 10-day event.

The auction showcases rare and distinctive camel breeds and is considered one of the largest events of its kind in the region owing to the high number of camel owners attending.

The event features a diverse range of heritage, cultural, and social activities designed to engage visitors of all ages.

The auction aims to stimulate both economic and heritage activities in the region and serves as a vital platform for exchanging expertise, forging business deals and strengthening connections among camel owners and breeders.

 


Riyadh mayor concludes official visit to Japan

The mayor inaugurated the Saudi Vision 2030 Forum in Osaka in the presence of Japanese and international leaders. (SPA)
The mayor inaugurated the Saudi Vision 2030 Forum in Osaka in the presence of Japanese and international leaders. (SPA)
Updated 30 September 2025

Riyadh mayor concludes official visit to Japan

The mayor inaugurated the Saudi Vision 2030 Forum in Osaka in the presence of Japanese and international leaders. (SPA)
  • His opening address highlighted the history of relations between the two countries and their development over the past seven decades

RIYADH: Mayor of Riyadh Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf and his accompanying delegation recently concluded an official visit to Japan. 

While there, the mayor inaugurated the Saudi Vision 2030 Forum in Osaka in the presence of Japanese and international leaders.

His opening address highlighted the history of relations between the two countries and their development over the past seven decades, culminating in 2017 with the launch of the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 to strengthen cooperation and partnership.