Itikaf resumes in Saudi Arabia's Grand Mosque after two-year hiatus

Worshippers must be fully vaccinated to take part, official says

Itikaf, the practice of staying in a mosque for several days at a time to pray and reflect, has been allowed again at Saudi Arabia's Grand Mosque. This follows a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The General Presidency for the affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque said being fully vaccinated is a prerequisite for performing Itikaf — most commonly undertaken during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

A special area has been allocated for those who wish to perform Itikaf away from worshippers and pilgrims, an official at the General Presidency told state news agency Al Ekhbariya.

NEWS | The Ministry of Islamic Affairs directs Mosques across the Kingdom to establish I’tikaf and Tahajjud Prayers during the last 10 Days of Ramadan after a period of 2 years.

— Haramain Sharifain (@hsharifain) April 18, 2022

The Itikaf permit is valid for only the last 10 days of Ramadan — beginning on the night of the 21st and ending on the first day of Eid Al Fitr.

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Also at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, a guidance programme has been launched for children of Umrah performers and visitors.

The initiative will provide indicative symbols for non-Arabic speakers and bracelets, to avoid children getting lost in crowds, a state news agency said.

“The Presidency is keen to provide the best services to the Grand Mosque's visitors to raise the level of social responsibility,” the Under-Secretary for social and voluntary services, Amjad bin Ayed Al-Hazmi, said.

A translation corner has also been set at the Grand Mosque to be able to communicate efficiently with non-Arabic speaking visitors of the field exhibitions.

The corner, officials said, will enrich the experience of non-Arabic speakers and attendees of the field exhibitions in the Grand Mosque. The move is also aimed at raising the level of service provided to visitors.

Updated: April 19, 2022, 10:46 AM