President Sheikh Mohamed pardons 1,025 prisoners before start of Ramadan 2023

Every year, UAE leaders order the release of inmates to give them a second chance at life

President Sheikh Mohamed's move to release the prisoners is in keeping with the generous spirit of Ramadan. Chris Whiteoak / The National

President Sheikh Mohamed has pardoned 1,025 prisoners before the start of Ramadan.

UAE leaders typically offer an amnesty to hundreds of inmates each year in keeping with the generous spirit of the holy month.

The directives are in line with humanitarian efforts to rehabilitate prisoners and ease the burden on their families.

In Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, ordered the release of 971 prisoners.

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, ordered the release of 151 prisoners in the emirate who have a proven track record of good conduct.

Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, ordered the release of a number of prisoners from punitive and corrective institutions in the emirate.

Ramadan will begin in the UAE on Thursday.

The UAE will seek to deliver crucial support to people in need around the globe during Ramadan.

On Sunday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, launched an extended campaign to raise enough funds for one billion meals for the poor and hungry around the world.

The drive will start on the first day of Ramadan and run until the target is met.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic, or Hijri, calendar. It is also believed to be the month the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.

Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset every day of the month, which typically lasts for 29 or 30 days.

As well as abstaining from food and drink, Ramadan is also a time when Muslims strengthen their faith through prayer and increased recitation of the Quran.

Piety increases further during the final 10 days, especially on Laylat Al Qadr — the night of power.

That night is said to be when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed and it is traditionally celebrated on the 27th night of Ramadan.

The rewards for acts of worship carried out on this night are said to be more than the rewards of 1,000 months of worship.

Dubai Police's Ramadan cannon at Expo site — in pictures

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  Dubai Police carry out a demonstration with a cannon for this year’s Ramadan, at Al Wasl Plaza. All photos: Ruel Pableo for The National

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  Cannon are fired at sunset to signal the end of day's fast during holy month

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  This cannon was on show at Expo City Dubai

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  Abdullah Tarish Khamis speaks at a press conference on the iftar cannon in Dubai

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  Dubai police test the cannon

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  A woman takes a snapshot of the French cannon at Al Wasl Plaza

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  Police show the public how the cannon works

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  Cannon became a Ramadan tradition in the UAE in the 1960s

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  A Ramadan cannon is in place at Expo City Dubai for the first time