More Than 700,000 Register for Itikaf Ritual Across Iran: Official

IQNA – An Iranian official reports that over 700,000 people have already registered to participate in itikaf rituals, and the number is still growing.

Speaking in a press conference on Tuesday, Seyyed Alireza Tekyei, head of Iran’s Itikaf Headquarters, underscored the growing cultural significance of the Islamic ritual of Itikaf, noting a substantial rise in participation and the expanding role of the event as a major cultural platform in the country.

"Last year, one million young people participated in the Itikaf ceremony. This demonstrates the importance of cultural initiatives," the official stated.

Itikaf, a period of spiritual retreat and worship observed during the holy month of Rajab, sees participants secluding themselves in mosques for prayer, fasting, and reflection.

According to the official, 6,000 mosques across Iran are currently prepared to host worshippers during the upcoming Itikaf period. "So far, 700,000 people have registered for Itikaf this year, and this number is expected to increase," they added.

Itikaf is usually performed on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic calendar, which fall on January 14, 15, and 16 this year.

The official stressed the community-driven nature of Itikaf, highlighting that cultural organizations are tasked with supporting and facilitating the event. "Itikaf is people-centered, and cultural institutions have a responsibility to provide support," they noted.

In addition, the seventh International Itikaf Festival is set to be held at Imam Hassan Askari Mosque in Qom, he added.

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