Millions converge on Makkah for Khatm prayers
Badea Abu Al-Naja | Arab News
MAKKAH: More than two million faithful thronged the Grand Mosque in Makkah to attend special prayers marking the completion of the recitation (Khatm) of the Holy Qur’an at night prayers during Ramadan.
The mosque complex overflowed with worshippers with thousands lining up in the courtyards and streets around the mosque to join the prayers.
Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, who led the prayers, beseeched Allah to end the sufferings of Muslims everywhere.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif, senior princes and ministers are in the vicinity of Makkah to monitor the services being rendered to worshippers.
Lt. Gen. Saeed Al-Qahtani, director general of public security, said his department had deployed additional forces to deal with the crowd of worshippers.
Saudi Television as well as foreign channels carried the annual event to viewers around the globe.
The Civil Defense had set out a plan to meet any emergency situation and deployed more than 4,200 officers and readied equipment to carry out rescue operations. The Makkah municipality deployed 4,600 workers to keep the central region of Makkah neat and clean.
The government has made special arrangements to protect pilgrims from swine flu and other contagious diseases. About 200 doctors and nurses were on duty at clinics inside and outside the mosque.
— With input from Anwar Ahmed
Source
and Sheikh Aal Taalib added a bit about Allah (Jallah Jalaaluhu) < that was awesome! It fills your heart with the fear of Allah, Subhanallah! 
