Millions of Muslims across Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have started observing Aitkaf as the holy month of Ramzan enters its final phase. The spiritual practice begins on the 20th day of Ramadan and continues until the sighting of the moon for Eid al-Fitr.
In Pakistan, thousands of mosques are welcoming worshippers who will stay in the mosques for several days, dedicating their time to prayers, recitation of the Quran, and spiritual reflection. The Aitkaf usually begins after the Asr prayer and continues for the last ten days of Ramzan, during which Muslims also seek the blessings of Laylatul Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, believed to be more valuable than a thousand nights.
Major mosques in different cities are hosting large numbers of participants. Around 1,600 worshippers are expected to observe Aitkaf at the famous Data Darbar Mosque in Lahore. The historic Badshahi Mosque will host about 800 participants, while thousands more will gather at mosques such as Jamia Qadriya Mosque Choburji, Jamia Naeemia, Jamia Ashrafia, and Jamia Masjid-e-Shaheed.
Mosque administrations and the Department of Auqaf have made special arrangements for the worshippers. Facilities such as accommodation, Sehri, and Iftar meals have been organized to support those observing Aitkaf. Women usually perform Aitkaf at home, where they also spend the last days of Ramzan in prayer and worship.
However, Tahir-ul-Qadri, founder of Tehreek Minhaj-ul-Quran, has postponed the organization’s collective Aitkaf this year. This decision ends a long-standing tradition that had been followed for the past 35 years.
Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, large numbers of worshippers have also begun Aitkaf in the holy mosques. About 3,200 people are observing Aitkaf at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, while around 3,000 are participating at Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.
Saudi authorities have arranged special facilities for the worshippers, including designated areas in the mosques for men and women. As Ramzan reaches its final nights, millions of Muslims are also performing Taraweeh and Qiyam-ul-Lail prayers, hoping to receive the blessings of Laylatul Qadr.
