Thousands of worshippers enter Itikaf in Ramzan, a revered retreat dedicated to prayer, self reflection, and the pursuit of blessings during the holy night of Laylatul Qadr.
Over the next ten nights, mosques will be transformed into special places of devotion as participants commit themselves to worship until the sighting of the Eid-ul-Fitr moon.
During the Last Ashra, worshippers will remain in solitude within mosques, devoting their time solely to prayer, reflection, and the recitation of the Quran in search of Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power, which is believed in Islamic tradition to offer rewards greater than a thousand months of worship.
Popular mosques have made preparations to accommodate the surge of participants.
Arrangements for Itikaf made in different cities
While men traditionally observe Itikaf in mosques, women will engage in this spiritual retreat from their homes.
Numerous mosque committees have also organised Sehri and Iftar meals, along with basic lodging facilities, to assist those who will stay inside mosques during the last ten days of Ramzan.
In Lahore, significant arrangements have been established at various major religious sites.
Nearly 1,600 devotees are expected to observe Itikaf at Data Darbar, with the Department of Auqaf providing accommodation and meals for the participants.
Meanwhile, around 800 worshippers will take part at the historic Badshahi Mosque.
Thousands more are expected to gather at other notable religious institutions, including Jamia Al Qadsiya Mosque Chauburji, Jamia Naeemia, Jamia Ashrafia, and Jamia Masjid-e-Shaheed, where large congregations will engage in collective worship during the final ten days of Ramzan.
Route plan for Youm-e-Ali (A.S) announced in Ramzan
Earlier, the route plan for the Youm-e-Ali (A.S) procession, set for the 21st of Ramzan, was announced as security measures were being implemented in various cities.
Authorities stated that special provisions had been established in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore to oversee the processions and ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
In Islamabad, the main procession was scheduled to begin from the Imambargah located in Sector G-6/4.
According to officials, the procession would begin around 1pm on March 10.
Security containers were also strategically placed in certain areas as a precautionary measure.
Read more: Route plan released for Youm-e-Ali (A.S) procession on 21 Ramzan in Islamabad
