ISLAMABAD: Thousands of mosques across Pakistan will host millions of Muslims for Aitkaf today, the 20th of Ramazan. Aitkaf, a spiritual retreat, begins after Asr prayers. Aitkaf will have also started in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Muslim countries.
What is the Aitkaf?
During the last 10 days of the holy month of Ramazan, millions of Muslim worshippers isolate themselves from family, friends, social circles, and dedicate their time to maximum worship in designated places in mosques. Aitkaf can also be performed at home, but in an isolated room, leaving aside routine activities.
During this sacred period, participants aim to seek Laylatul Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, which the Quran describes as better than a thousand months. The Aitkaf will continue until the sighting of the crescent moon of Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramazan, the month of fasting.
Preparations completed across mosques
Mosque administrations and committees have finalized arrangements to facilitate the large number of worshippers. In most locations, organizers have arranged Sehar and Iftar meals, sleeping spaces, and security measures to ensure a comfortable environment for participants.
Meanwhile, women will observe Aitkaf in their homes, following the traditional practice. In addition to individual observance, several religious organizations and institutions have also organized collective Aitkaf gatherings.
At Lahore’s Data Darbar Mosque, approximately 1,600 devotees will participate in Aitkaf this year. Similarly, the historic Badshahi Mosque will host around 800 worshippers. Thousands of others are expected to gather at Jamia Qadriya Mosque Choburji, Jamia Naeemia, Jamia Ashrafia, and Jamia Masjid-e-Shaheed.
Furthermore, the Department of Auqaf has announced that it will provide accommodation and meals for those observing Aitkaf at Data Darbar. However, Sheikh-ul-Islam Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri, founder of Tehreek Minhaj-ul-Quran, has postponed the organization’s collective Aitkaf this year, ending a 35-year tradition.
Aitkaf also begins in Saudi Arabia
Meanwhile, Muslims in Saudi Arabia are observing the 21st day of Ramazan, and Aitkaf has begun in the kingdom’s major mosques. Worshippers have gathered at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah to begin their spiritual retreat.
According to Saudi media reports, around 3,200 devotees are observing Aitkaf at Masjid al-Nabawi, while approximately 3,000 worshippers have started Aitkaf at Masjid al-Haram.
Authorities have prepared extensive arrangements to manage the influx of worshippers. The administration of Masjid al-Nabawi has designated 48 areas across four main halls for Aitkaf, including the eastern rooftop for men and a newly expanded eastern section for women.
Meanwhile, millions of Muslims are performing Taraweeh and Qiyam-ul-Lail prayers in the holy mosques during the final ten nights of Ramazan.
