Thousands retreat for prayer and contemplation

Thousands of Muslims have begun a 10-day period of itikaaf, seclusion for prayer and contemplation, in mosques throughout the country including Makkah and Madinah. 

Itikaaf takes place in the last 10 days of Ramadan, which began on Wednesday. The Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah has made preparations to accommodate 15,000 worshippers. The administration has doubled the facilities for worshippers, who were able to register online.

Those people performing itikaaf in Makkah were advised to take basic toiletries and three to four sets of clothing for the period, including warm clothes because of air conditioning in the Grand Mosque.

In Riyadh, the Al-Rajhi Mosque at Exit 17 and the King Khalid Mosque in Ummul Hammam, made arrangements for men and women. Those staying are provided meals for suhoor and iftar. Scholars also provide talks on Islam.

In a new development this year, women participating in the program were asked to bring letters of consent from their sponsors. Earlier, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh said itikaaf can be observed at any mosque.

“The entire city of Makkah is holy so believers can go to other mosques there. However, they should not abandon their duties toward their families.