Tarawih Means Spiritual Journey for Moroccans

By Abdul Rahman Khuzairan, IOL Correspondent

CASABLANCA, October 19, 2005 (IslamOnline.net) – The spiritual journey through the holy fasting month of Ramadan continues for tens of thousands of Moroccan worshippers, who flock into Hassan II Mosque every night to listen to the "angelic voice" of Sheikh Omar Al-Qazabri during Tarawih prayers.

"Listening to (Sheikh) Al-Qazabri as he recites Noble Qur’an during Tarawih prayers makes you feel more pious and live in a heavenly atmosphere," Mariam Faghni told IslamOnline.net.

Once the call for prayers echoes through the streets, thousands of men, women and children come in droves from across the country to listen to recitation of the Noble Book from the lips of young Muslim reader Al-Qazabri.

"We feel relieved and comforted when we perform prayers behind Qazabri," Samir Bin Galon said.

Considering as "unimaginable" the huge attendance during Tarawih, Galon expressed hope more Muslim readers would enjoy such an angelic voice as that of Qazabri.

Fascinated

Qazabri has fascinated many worshippers with his ability to recite the Noble Qur'an in different beautiful tones.

"Qazabri is distinguished by his excellent recitation and ability to read in various lingual tones, making worshippers more curious to listen to the verses of the Noble Book," said Abdellah Dawodi.

Estimates put at 40,000 the number of worshippers flocking into Hassan II Mosque to perform Tarawih.

In a bid to secure a foothold in the overcrowded mosque, many worshippers prefer to have Iftar (fast-breaking meal) at the mosque.

Hassan II Mosque is the largest religious monument in the world after Makkah.

It has space for 25,000 worshippers inside and another 80,000 outside.

The 210-meter minaret is the tallest in the world and is visible day and night for miles around.