The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques announced the opening of online registration for those wishing to perform the Sunnah of Itikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan 1447 AH. This step comes as part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to organize and facilitate the affairs of male and female visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, and to provide a safe and organized spiritual environment that allows those observing Itikaf to devote themselves fully to worship.
The historical context and spiritual significance of seclusion
Itikaf (seclusion in the mosque for worship) is a confirmed Sunnah (practice) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He used to observe it during the last ten days of Ramadan, devoting himself to worship, prayer, reciting the Quran, and remembrance of God, seeking Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree). Itikaf in the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina holds special significance for Muslims worldwide due to the sacred status of these two holy sites. The reward for performing it is multiplied, and tranquility and a spiritual atmosphere prevail, making them the ultimate destination for millions of Muslims who yearn to perform this great ritual in the holiest of places.
Digital organization: Streamlining procedures and enhancing the experience
In line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims for digital transformation and the development of services provided to pilgrims, the launch of the electronic registration platform represents a qualitative leap in managing and organizing Itikaf (seclusion for worship). Instead of traditional methods that required in-person attendance and could result in overcrowding, the electronic portal provides a transparent and fair mechanism that ensures equal opportunities for all applicants from within and outside the Kingdom, while taking into account the specific capacity of each of the Two Holy Mosques to guarantee the safety and comfort of those observing Itikaf.
Registration dates and retreat period
The authority clarified that registration will officially begin on Friday, the 3rd of Ramadan 1447 AH, at 11:00 AM via the authority's official website. The actual period of Itikaf will commence with the beginning of the last ten days of the holy month, on the 20th of Ramadan 1447 AH, and will continue until the end of the month, thus allowing those observing Itikaf the opportunity to experience Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) in a fully spiritual atmosphere.
Steps to submit an online request for retreat
The authority has established a clear and easy registration mechanism that includes several sequential steps to ensure successful application submission:
- Accessing the portal: Accessing the official website of the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques.
- Login: Create a new account or log in using user data, with the option of quick access via the National Unified Access Portal (Nafath) available for citizens and residents.
- Choosing the location: Specifying the mosque where you want to perform Itikaf (the Grand Mosque or the Prophet’s Mosque).
- Agreement to the conditions: Read and agree to the rules and regulations governing the retreat.
- Data entry: Accurately complete the required personal data entry.
- Application submission and review: After the application is submitted, the relevant authorities review all applications and sort them according to the available capacity.
- Receiving acceptance notification: Accepted applicants are notified via Short Text Messages (SMS) on their registered phone numbers to confirm their acceptance.
This meticulous organization aims to enhance the spiritual experience of those in seclusion, and to ensure that the ritual proceeds with ease and convenience, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to providing the finest services to visitors of the Two Holy Mosques.
