Rabat– King Mohammed VI presided tonight over the religious vigil marking Laylat al-Qadr, the “Night of Destiny”, at the Royal Palace in Rabat.
During the ceremony, the monarch performed the Isha (evening) and Taraweeh prayers while seated, following his recent shoulder surgery.
The King was accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid, and Prince Moulay Ismail.
Several civil and military officials were also present, including Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, Minister of Islamic Affairs, to residents of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, as well as representatives of foreign diplomatic missions accredited in Morocco.
A statement from the Royal Palace confirmed that the measure for the monarch to perform the prayers seated was taken with consideration of the King’s health condition. Even while in recovery, the Palace emphasized that the King is dedicated to observing this significant religious occasion in accordance with established traditions.
The statement concluded by reaffirming that, in his capacity as Commander of the Faithful, King Mohammed VI places great importance on religious occasions and consistently strives to observe them in line with the Prophet Muhammed’s teachings.
In a related note, last month, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced the cancellation of the prestigious Hassanian Lectures (Dorouss El Hassaniya) for Ramadan 1446/2025, marking a significant departure from one of Morocco’s most important religious traditions.
This decision was made because the King would not be able to be in attendance, as he was recovering from the shoulder surgery he underwent in December of 2024. The monarch had sustained a humeral fracture during routine physical activity.
Laylat al-Qadr, observed during one of the last ten nights of Ramadan, is considered the holiest night in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.
The sacred night is a time of intense prayer, reflection, and devotion, as Muslims worldwide seek divine mercy and blessings. It is believed to be “better than a thousand months,” making it an evening of immense significance for believers.
