The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has announced the commencement of registration for Itikaf starting on March 5, 2025. This initiative is part of the preparations to accommodate worshippers wishing to engage in this religious practice during the holy month. The registration process is available through the official electronic website of the General Authority for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, reflecting the growing interest among the public about securing their places for Itikaf this year.
The Itikaf program allows individuals to engage in worship and reflection inside the sanctity of the Grand Mosque or the Prophet's Mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan, considered highly significant by Muslims worldwide. With people eager to book their spots, the registration process is expected to be swift, especially as the allocated number of Itikaf participants is limited.
The process involves several steps to facilitate the registration. It begins with entering the official website of the affairs of the Grand Mosque, where potential participants can click on 'Start the Service' to initiate their reservation. They can register by using the unified national access platform (Absher) or, if they are new visitors, create their accounts. Participants will then need to specify their chosen location for Itikaf within either mosque.
Next, participants are required to fill out their personal information, including full name, age, and gender. They must also agree to the conditions and rules set forth by the authority, which emphasizes the necessity of adhering to these guidelines for orderly conduct during the Worship period.
Included within the registration process is the viewing of a mandatory Islamic awareness video outlining how Itikaf should be performed, ensuring all participants are well-informed of the observances. After submitting their requests, individuals will wait for acknowledgment via text message before confirming their attendance and sending a recent photo for the issuance of the Itikaf permit.
The authority has highlighted the importance of registering as soon as possible, reiteratively pointing out, "The registration process will remain available until the specified number of Itikaf participants is completed." With the rising interest, prompt action is advised to secure one's place.
During the Itikaf this year, prominent imams will lead the Tarawih and Qiyam prayers, including well-respected figures such as Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, Sheikh Maher Al-Muaiqly, and Sheikh Abdullah Al-Juhani. Their leadership during the prayer sessions adds tremendous value to the collective worship experience, enhancing the deep sense of spirituality among attendees.
To promote harmony and respect within the mosque, the General Presidency has set several conditions for participants. Key regulations include respecting the entire duration of Itikaf, adhering to public health practices, and maintaining order throughout the religious experience. Such measures are aimed at ensuring all worshippers can engage without disturbances.
With Ramadan approaching, and as traditionally performed, individuals interested in participating should act quickly to finalize their arrangements. Those wishing to register can do so by visiting the official site [Insert link here], which provides all necessary information to begin the booking process.
The Itikaf program remains at the heart of communal worship during the holy month, allowing congregants to deepen their relationship with their faith and each other within the sacred confines of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to partake in this enriching experience.