Extensive arrangements for ‘itikaf’ in Saudi mosques

Mohammed Rasooldeen
Two grand mosques in the capital have made extensive arrangements here for Muslims who would like to perform “itikaf”. (SPA)

RIYADH: Grand mosques throughout the Kingdom, including the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah, have made extensive arrangements for the 10-day “itikaf” (meditative seclusion) during the last 10 days of the holy month of Ramadan, beginning Saturday.
Two grand mosques in the capital have made extensive arrangements here for Muslims who would like to perform “itikaf” during the last 10 days of the holy month of Ramadan.
The management of Al-Rajhi Mosque at Exit 17 and the King Khalid Mosque in Ummul Hammam in Riyadh, instructed mosque authorities to make arrangements for those men and women who want to perform itikaf, to provide accommodations and meals during their stay in the mosques.
Those who stay in the mosques for the purpose of itikaf will be given accommodations and meals during Suhour and Iftar. Religious discourses have been arranged for the stayers to spend their time usefully inside the mosques. Worshipers can spend their time within the mosque premises and also participate in the Qiyamul Layl (midnight) prayers.
Women who are participating in the program, have been requested to submit a letter of consent from their respective sponsors.
Mosque authorities have requested the participants to mingle with one another to get to know other Muslims during their period of stay in the mosques. In an earlier message, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh said the worshipping act of itikaf can be observed at any mosque and need not be confined to a grand mosque.
Itikaf is a spiritual retreat and Islamic ritual in which a believer secludes his or herself from others to engage solely in acts of worship and keep away from worldly dealings, especially during Ramadan.
“The entire city of Makkah is holy; believers may go to other mosques in Makkah for seclusion. They should not abandon their duties toward their families; we urge them to take care of their wives and children, while also engaging in nightly prayers and engaging in acts of worship,” the grand mufti said.