UAE leaders pardon more than 1,400 prisoners for Ramadan 2022

The clemency aims to give inmates a second chance at life and ease the burden on their families

President Sheikh Khalifa has ordered the release of 540 prisoners before the start of Ramadan. Photo: Ian Jones

UAE leaders have pardoned more than 1,000 prisoners in the run-up to Ramadan.

President Sheikh Khalifa ordered the release of 540 prisoners.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, issued a directive to free 659 inmates from prisons in Dubai.

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, agreed to cut short the sentences of 210 inmates in Sharjah.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, also pardoned 345 prisoners in the emirate.

UAE leaders typically offer pardons 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.

"Sheikh Khalifa's annual pardon ahead of the month of Ramadan aims to enhance family cohesion, brings about happiness to mothers and children and provides released prisoners with an opportunity to rethink about their future and return to the righteous path that allows them to lead a successful social and professional life," state news agency Wam reported.

Ramadan is expected to begin on Saturday, April 2.

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

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid this month launched a drive to donate one billion meals to the poor and hungry around the world.

“Brothers and sisters, today we announce the one billion meals campaign for the poor and the needy around the world,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote.

“The campaign will begin at the beginning of the holy month and will continue for the coming years until the goal is achieved."

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, when Laylat Al Qadr is believed to occur.

That night is said to be when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. It is traditionally celebrated on the 27th night of Ramadan but its exact date is unknown.

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.

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