The holiest site of Islam in Makkah is all set to receive Muslims who registered for undertaking the Islamic rite of I’tikaaf (seclusion) in the last 10 days of the holy month of Ramazan.
According to official sources, registration process for I’tikaaf was completed with allocation of dedicated places for the I’tikaaf worshippers at the Grand Mosuqe.
The sources ruled out any site other than the dedicated one for I’tikaaf inside the mosque.
“I’tikaaf at the Sacred Mosque is handled according to thorough plans whereby human resources and equipment are harnessed to provide a system of integrated services meeting needs of male and female worshippers during the month of Ramadan,” the official noted.
The General Presidency opened registration for I’tikaaf on the first day of Ramazan that started on March 23 and said applications would be received until the permitted number of people wishing to perform I’tikaaf is registered.
I’tikaaf means a Muslim stays at a mosque for the sole purpose of worshipping and coming closer to Allah, following the example of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
The ritual is usually performed in the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Chief of the General Presidency for Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques Abdulrahman Al Sudais had earlier said the sites at the Grand Mosque can accommodate nearly 2,500 I’tikaaf worshippers as part of an operation plan for Ramadan.
Last year, Saudi Arabia allowed I’tikaaf to return during Ramadan to the Grand Mosque after a suspension of two years due to pandemic-induced restrictions.
