Saudi authorities have announced that only Saudi nationals and individuals holding a valid residence permit (iqamah) will be eligible to register for Itikaf in the Masjid al Haram and Nabawi during Ramadan 2025.
Itikaf Registration Requirements:
To register for Itikaf 2025, applicants must meet strict criteria set by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque. These include:
- Duration: Itikaf will begin on the 20th of Ramadan 1446 AH and end with Isha prayer on the night of Eid al-Fitr. Participants must adhere to the permitted duration and follow all guidelines.
- Nationality and Residency: Only Saudi nationals or residents with a valid Iqama can apply. International visitors are no longer eligible.
- Location: Applicants must be physically present in Saudi Arabia at the time of registration, as the service is inaccessible from outside the Kingdom.
- Age: Over 18 years old.
- Health: Applicants must be in good health and capable of performing Itikaf rituals without difficulty. Those with chronic illnesses or requiring special care must declare their conditions during registration.
Eligible individuals can register for Itikaf 2025 through the updated visitor app, which requires users to log in with their Saudi national ID or Iqama number.
Registration opens on Wednesday, 09/09/1446 AH (5th March 2025) at 11:00 AM and closes on 09/20/1446 AH (20th March 2025) at midnight, or earlier if capacity is reached.
The decision is widely seen as an effort to manage the overwhelming crowds that flock to the Two Holy Mosques during Ramadan.
For those unable to register, the General Authority encourages worshipers to perform Itikaf in local mosques or Islamic centers in their home countries or even in Saudi Arabia.
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