BANDIPORA — In a display of spiritual devotion, at least 600 Muslims from Kashmir and outside have gathered for 10 days at Itikaaf at Darul Uloom Raheemiya, the biggest Islamic seminary of Kashmir located in Bandipora district.
Notably, the Itikaf takes place during the last 10 days of Ramzan when worshippers seclude themselves and devote their time to prayer, supplication, and reading the Quran. It starts from the sunset of the 20th day of Ramzan and ends when the Eid moon is sighted. During itikaf, worshipers live and sleep in mosques.
The gathering of individuals from diverse backgrounds at Darul Uloom Raheemiya highlights the importance of this practice in Islam and the desire of Muslims to connect with Allah and seek spiritual enlightenment.
They will spend their days and nights engaged in prayer, reading the Quran, and seeking a deeper understanding of their faith.
“We are grateful to Allah for providing us with the opportunity, and we hope that it will be a source of spiritual upliftment for all those who participate in it,” said one of the participants.
He said that the Itikaaf is a highly respected and long-standing tradition in the Islamic faith, dating back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
“It is observed by Muslims all over the world, who use the final 10 days of Ramzan to retreat from worldly distractions and focus on prayer and reflection,” he said.
To make the stay of ‘Muatakifs’ hassle free and provide them a peaceful environment to perform ‘Ibadat’, dozens of youngsters of Bandipora spend their nights in Darul uloom to serve evening meals, Iftari and Sehri (Pre-dawn meals) to them . “Serving meals to 600 persons in limited hours is a Herculean task but the locals make it easier as they voluntarily serve the guests,” said an organiser of the event. — (KNO)