As Ramadan 1447 AH enters its final and most spiritually powerful phase, thousands of devoted Muslims have officially begun Itikaf at Masjid-e-Nabawi in Madinah, marking the start of the last ten nights of Ramadan, the holiest period in the entire Islamic calendar.
Worshippers who completed registration and obtained official permits have started performing the ritual of Itikaf at the Prophet’s Mosque, with authorities deploying more than 18,000 personnel and nearly 6,000 vehicles and pieces of equipment across Makkah and Madinah to support the final ten days of Ramadan.
Over 15,000 people registered for Itikaf at Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi this year. Special arrangements have been made in both mosques, including designated areas for Itikaf participants, enhanced sanitation facilities, and comprehensive support services to ensure every worshipper enjoys a peaceful and deeply spiritual experience.
Itikaf began on 20th Ramadan 1447 AH, corresponding to March 9, 2026, and will continue through to March 19, covering the blessed odd nights within which Laylat al-Qadr is most likely to fall.
The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Two Holy Mosques has also launched a dedicated Quran recitation programme specifically for Itikaf participants at the Prophet’s Mosque, allowing worshippers to review their memorisation and perfect their recitation under expert supervision during these sacred nights.
The Prophet (SAW) himself never missed Itikaf during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Hazrat Aisha (RA) narrated that when the last ten nights began, the Prophet (SAW) would tighten his waist belt, stay up through the night, and wake his entire family for worship.
For every Muslim sitting in Itikaf tonight, whether in Madinah’s sacred precincts or a local mosque, these ten nights are the greatest opportunity of the entire year.
