Worshipers start performing Itikaf at Two Holy Mosques as Ramadan enters its final 10 days

RIYADH — Thousands of worshipers start performing the ritual of Itikaf (seclusion for worship) at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah with the holy month of Ramadan entering its final 10 days.The Two Holy Mosques welcomed worshipers observing Itikaf after completing registration and receiving permits to perform this ritual. Itikaf implies staying in a mosque solely for the purpose of worship and meditation. During this period these worshipers would not go out from the mosque for worldly purposes, except for essential needs, and devote their whole time for reading the Holy Qur’an and engage in prayers seeking forgiveness and blessings of Allah. They earnestly try to get closer to God through prayers, worship and glorification of His names.The General Authority for the Care of Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has provided a comprehensive system of services to ensure a spiritually enriching and tranquil environment for this act of worship. The authority has provided services for worshipers observing Itikaf, including guidance, organization, healthcare, translation, hospitality, and essential supplies, to ensure a comfortable and spiritually fulfilling experience. Field teams have also been assigned to manage the flow of entry and exit and to oversee the provision of services, allowing those observing Itikaf to fully dedicate themselves to worship. Earlier, the authority started registration for Itikaf at the Two Holy Mosques for men and women worshipers, including Umrah pilgrims, from Ramadan 3, corresponding to Feb. 20. The authority clarified then that Itikaf will commence on Ramadan 20 corresponding to March 9 and continue until the end of Ramadan 30, according to the approved organizational plan. The authority affirmed its commitment to organizing Itikaf services in a manner that facilitates worshipers performing their rituals in a safe and spiritually organized environment, reflecting the high quality of services provided to visitors of the Two Holy Mosques during the holy month.