Imam of Kaaba Falls Ill During Taraweeh as Sheikh Bandar Baleela Led Taraweeh
Key Takeaways
- Sheikh Abdullah Al-Juhany withdrew from leading Taraweeh after four rakats due to fatigue and exhaustion.
- Sheikh Bandar Baleela stepped in immediately to lead the congregation through the remainder of the prayer.
- Worshippers and Muslims worldwide reacted with deep concern and an outpouring of prayers for the Sheikh’s recovery.
Sheikh Abdullah Al-Juhany fell ill while leading Taraweeh prayers, stepping back after four rakats overcome by fatigue and physical exhaustion.
Sheikh Bandar Baleela stepped forward to lead the congregation through the rest of the night prayer.
Night after night throughout Ramadan, imams stand for extended periods reciting lengthy passages of the Quran entirely from memory, before congregations that stretch beyond what the eye can see.
As Sheikh Al-Juhany withdrew, Sheikh Baleela absorbed the weight of leading one of the world’s largest congregations at a moment’s notice.

