Thousands of Muslims sat Itikaf (seclusion) in different mosques of the country including Lahore city on Friday, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.
Special arrangements have been made in the city mosques including Badshahi Mosque, Data Darbar, Masjid-e-Shuhada, Itikaf City of Minhaj-ul-Quran set up in Town Ship and others aimed at facilitating the residents to make the most of their ten-day spiritual retreat.
The revered Data Darbar Mosque has become a focal point of devotion, with nearly 2,000 worshippers observing Itikaf.
Itikaf is a period starting from the 20th of Ramadan when dedicated faithful seclude in the mosque for ten days in search of Lailatul Qadr (Night of Majesty) and to seek the forgiveness of Almighty Allah by abandoning their routine business.
During this period these worshipers would not go out of the mosque for worldly purposes, except for essential needs. They devote their whole time to reading the Holy Quran, and Zikar besides engaging in prayers seeking forgiveness and blessings of Allah.
Itikaf is a Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and carries a multitude of blessings of Allah Almighty.
At Data Darbar, people from across the country have gathered at this sacred site, seeking to immerse themselves in worship during these spiritually significant days.
To ensure security and organization, authorities have issued ID cards bearing the names and photographs of all faithful.
Entry into the designated Itikaf halls is strictly restricted to those carrying valid identification.
The arrangements for Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (meal to break the fast) have been made through the generosity of philanthropists.
Additionally, teams from the Punjab Food Authority will conduct routine inspections to maintain the quality and hygiene of the meals provided.
To enhance security, surveillance through closed-circuit cameras has been deployed at all entry and exit points of Data Darbar.
A dedicated control room has also been established to monitor and ensure the safety of the attendees.
During the last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly on the odd-numbered nights, worshippers will remain engaged in prayer, seeking the Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr), a night believed to hold immense divine blessings and forgiveness. Participants will continue their spiritual devotion in seclusion until the sighting of the Shawwal moon, marking the end of Ramadan.
The worshippers, with deep humility and sincerity, believe that sincere prayers never go unanswered.
They continue to supplicate with the hope that their pleas will be granted acceptance in the court of the Almighty.