With Ramadan approaching its most spiritual stage, Qatar has come out with clear guidelines to worshippers who have intentions of observing the I‘tikaf, the normal mosque retreat in the last ten days of the sacred month. The guidelines are to systematise the practise and provide comfort to those who wish to spend a long time in prayer, meditation and worship in the mosques.
Qatar Announces Ramadan Mosque Retreat Regulations On I‘tikaf In The Last 10 Days
According to the report by The Gulf News, the Qatar Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs said that I‘tikaf will only be conducted in a number of mosques that are pre-approved by the Mosques Department.
The Retreat Will Be Held In Selected Mosques
The government has restricted the withdrawal to specific congregational mosques nationwide.
These mosques were selected according to their location and their ability to comfortably house the worshippers. Places like prayer halls, sleeping spaces, and other necessary services have to satisfy certain requirements to accommodate participants.
This choice aids in making sure that the retreat can be viewed by high numbers of worshippers without crowding and disturbances.
Worshipers Asked To Maintain The Mosque Etiquette
The ministry has also called on the players to observe mosque etiquette.
The officials urged worshippers to familiarise themselves with the religious importance of i‘tikaf as stipulated in the teachings of the Prophet before participating. Hygiene and respect for common areas are major requirements.
Participants should maintain the cleanliness of the sleeping and prayer space and should not engage in activities that may harm the mosque property. The ministry also observed that mosques are deemed a charitable donation, which are owned by the general Muslim community.
Regulations For Peaceful Worship
The retreat requires a calm and respectful setting. Leaders have urged believers to keep their conversations low and to avoid any action that would interfere with other people’s praying. There are also simple rules to follow:
- Do not hang clothes on the walls and pillars of the mosque.
- Do not block some common facilities.
- Only use the designated eating and resting areas within the mosque premises.
Such measures assist in preserving the serene environment that the worshippers enjoy in the last days of Ramadan.
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Age Criteria To Participate
The ministry has also established an age qualification for individuals who want to participate in the retreat.
The participants should be over 18 years old. Younger individuals between 8 and 18 years can, however, attend as long as they are accompanied by a guardian. According to the previous laws, only men will have access to mosque-based i‘tikaf during Ramadan as the ministry organisations of the holy month.
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