ISLAMABAD: Millions of Muslim worshippers across Pakistan have started their Aitkaf as the holy month of Ramadan enters its final days.
The period of seclusion is dedicated to intense prayer and reflection, with participants seeking Laylat al-Qadr, a night described in the Holy Qur’an as being better than a thousand months. The Aitkaf will continue until the sighting of the Eid al-Fitr crescent.
Mosque administrations have finalised their preparations, ensuring facilities for participants, including the arrangement of Sehar and Iftar meals at most locations.
While men will observe Aitkaf in mosques, women will engage in the practice within designated areas of their homes.
Collective Aitkaf sessions
This year, alongside individual observances, various religious groups and institutions are organising collective Aitkaf sessions.
Notable gatherings include approximately 1,600 devotees at Data Darbar Mosque, around 800 at the historic Badshahi Mosque, and thousands more at Jamia Qadriya Mosque Choburji, Jamia Naeemia, Jamia Ashrafia, and Jamia Masjid-e-Shaheed. The Auqaf Department of Punjab will provide lodging and meals for participants at Data Darbar.
Special arrangements have also been made in major cities, including Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar, where thousands of worshippers are expected to take part in the spiritual retreat.
Scholars will deliver daily sermons and lessons on the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), encouraging participants to strengthen their faith and seek forgiveness during the final days of Ramadan.
Security and administrative measures have also been put in place around major mosques to facilitate worshippers and maintain a peaceful environment throughout the period of Aitkaf.
The retreat offers believers an opportunity to detach from worldly affairs and devote themselves fully to worship during the final and most sacred days of Ramadan.
Aitkaf Commences in Saudi Arabia’s Holy Mosques
Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, where the 21st day of Ramadan is being observed, Aitkaf has also begun in the Two Holy Mosques.
According to Saudi media, 3,000 devotees are observing the ritual at Grand Mosque in Makkah, while 3,200 are in seclusion at Prophet Mosque.
The administration of the Prophet Mosque has designated 48 areas for Aitkaf across four main halls, including the eastern rooftop for men and a newly expanded eastern section for women.
These comprehensive arrangements by the Saudi government coincide with millions of worshippers attending Taraweeh and Qiyam-ul-Lail prayers on the 21st night of Ramadan.
