MAKKAH: The spiritual lectures held inside the Grand Mosque regularly attract many people from all walks of life, who are thirsting for knowledge of Islam. They include pensioners, businessmen and employees in the public and private sectors. They gather after Fajr and Isha prayers to listen to the scholars who speak about various branches of the religion such as Fiqh “Islamic jurisprudence”, Hadith, Sunnah “Prophet's Tradition” and theology. One of the students who declined to give his name said: “I joined the sessions in the Holy Haram seven months ago. When I listen to the knowledgeable scholars I feel that I am in heaven on earth. They recite and explain verses from the Holy Qur'an to us. All the people or the knowledge seekers listen attentively. The recitation of the Holy Qur'an gives them comfort. This is why all these people including myself attend these sessions regularly.” Saleh Al-Hedhli, a retired octogenarian, said: “I have wonderful experiences in the Holy Haram. Every day I learn something new about my religion. These lessons inject new life into me. The moment the lesson finishes I go home and read books to learn more. I have become very inquisitive although I am older than 60. I am leading a new life. I have developed new habits. Instead of going to rest houses to meet friends and gossip, I spend my time doing something useful. These are unforgettable experiences I will remember for the rest of my life.”
