As the holy month of Ramazan reaches its final ten days, millions of Muslims across Pakistan have embarked on the spiritual practice of Aitkaf, beginning on the 20th night of Ramazan, which fell on Tuesday this year. This deeply revered tradition involves devotees secluding themselves in mosques after Asr prayers, dedicating their time to intense worship, reflection, and supplication. The primary aim during this period is to seek Laylatul Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, a night believed to be more blessed than a thousand months.
Across Pakistan, thousands of mosques have been meticulously prepared to welcome worshippers who will remain in seclusion until the sighting of the crescent moon that marks Eid-ul-Fitr. The atmosphere in these religious centers is expected to be vibrant and spiritually charged, with mosque committees ensuring that participants have access to essential facilities. In many locations, arrangements for Sehar (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking of fast) have been organized to support those observing Aitkaf. While men predominantly observe Aitkaf within mosque premises, many women choose to perform this spiritual retreat within the privacy of their homes, continuing the tradition in a manner suited to their circumstances.
In addition to individual worshippers, several religious organizations and institutions have coordinated collective Aitkaf sessions this year, fostering a communal environment for devotion. For instance, the historic Data Darbar Mosque in Lahore is hosting approximately 1,600 participants, with the Department of Auqaf generously providing lodging and meals to facilitate their stay. Similarly, the iconic Badshahi Mosque is accommodating around 800 devotees, while thousands more are gathering at prominent religious centers such as Jamia Qadriya Mosque Choburji, Jamia Naeemia, Jamia Ashrafia, and Jamia Masjid-e-Shaheed. These mosques have become hubs of spiritual activity, where worshippers engage in extended prayers, Quranic recitations, and religious discussions.
It is noteworthy that this year marks a significant change in tradition as Sheikh-ul-Islam Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri, the founder of Tehreek Minhaj-ul-Quran, has decided to postpone the collective Aitkaf sessions that his organization has held annually for the past 35 years. This decision has been met with mixed reactions among followers, reflecting the evolving dynamics within religious communities.
Meanwhile, across the border in Saudi Arabia, the 21st day of Ramazan is being observed with equal fervor. The sacred mosques of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah have opened their doors to thousands of worshippers who have commenced Aitkaf. Reports indicate that around 3,200 devotees are engaged in Aitkaf at Masjid al-Nabawi, while approximately 3,000 are observing it at Masjid al-Haram. The administration of Masjid al-Nabawi has designated 48 specific areas across four main halls for worshippers, including the eastern rooftop reserved for men and a newly expanded eastern section designated for women, reflecting efforts to accommodate the growing number of participants.
The Saudi government has implemented extensive arrangements to facilitate the spiritual activities during these final days of Ramazan. Millions of Muslims are participating in Taraweeh and Qiyam-ul-Lail prayers, creating a profound atmosphere of devotion and unity. This period is widely regarded as the pinnacle of Ramazan worship, with believers seeking forgiveness, blessings, and spiritual renewal.
As the holy month progresses, the practice of Aitkaf continues to hold immense significance for Muslims worldwide, symbolizing a time of heightened piety and closeness to the Divine. The collective and individual efforts of the faithful during these nights underscore the enduring spiritual heritage that Ramazan fosters across diverse communities.
