RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Care of the Two Holy Mosques has announced the registration of Itikaf, observed during the last 10 days of Ramadan, at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, Saudi Gazette reported.
Starting from the fifth Ramazan falling on Wednesday (March 5), the Saudi authorities will start registration for Itikaf and will continue until the slots allotted for the ritual are filled at the two holy mosques.
According to the report, the registration process will begin at 11am (local time) via the authority’s official website.
The authority said that permits will be issued through its online platform in accordance with specific conditions and criteria.
The religious ritual of itikaf is observed in Ramadan during which Muslims seclude themselves in a mosque for uninterrupted worship and prayer in the final ten days.
It will commence on Ramadan 20 (March 20) and continue until the end of the holy month.
The ritual follows the example of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and is considered an opportunity to strengthen one’s connection with Allah, free from the distractions of daily life.
Ramadan began in Saudi Arabia on March 1, and thousands of worshippers are expected to participate in itikaf at the Two Holy Mosques.