Hojat-ol-Islam Seyed Javad Shahrestani called for the expansion of international activities regarding Itikaf through coherent and structured planning.

Hojat-ol-Islam Shahrestani made the remarks during a meeting with the head of Iran’s Central Headquarters for Itikaf on Sunday.

Commending the efforts of the headquarters, he praised their work in fostering a culture of spirituality and the teachings of the Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS), while stressing the need for continued, well-organized planning in this field.

The representative of Ayatollah Sistani in Iran noted that the spiritual capacity of Itikaf is not confined by geographical borders. He stated that, through appropriate planning and by leveraging the capabilities of active organizations in various countries, it is possible to expand this spiritual movement to other regions of the world.

Pointing to the potential existing in countries such as Iraq and Lebanon, as well as several European nations, he added that expanding the international reach of Itikaf requires the establishment of organizational frameworks, coherent management, and collaboration among cultural and religious institutions.

Hojat-ol-Islam Shahrestani highlighted the importance of utilizing the capacities of the Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS) World Assembly, the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought, Al-Mustafa International University, and Astan Quds Razavi to facilitate the international development of Itikaf.

Referring to the activities of the Central Itikaf Headquarters over the past years, he said the Islamic Republic of Iran has rendered significant services and brought about many blessings in the expansion of Islamic culture and spirituality; however, the crucial point is to operate based on precise, systematic, and organized planning.

“In recent years, by fostering cohesion and engaging in continuous planning, the Itikaf Headquarters has played an effective role in promoting the culture of Itikaf and enhancing its spiritual impact on society—a trajectory that must be maintained and strengthened.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, Shahrestani pointed to the widespread public participation in Itikaf ceremonies, noting that the level of involvement in this act of worship is remarkable given the country’s total population. “These figures demonstrate that Itikaf has succeeded in exerting a spiritual influence upon society.”

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He further noted that spirituality possesses the capacity to connect with diverse audiences, transcending political boundaries, and can pave the way for them to become acquainted with the teachings of the Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS).

Itikaf is a tradition of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family, and is regarded as a highly rewarding act of worship in Islam.

It is a spiritual practice in Islam that involves staying in a mosque for a certain number of days, fasting, and praying to God.

It is usually performed on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic calendar.

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