MADINAH — The Presidency of the Affairs of the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah has reported that 13,565 worshippers are performing itikaf in the mosque in the last 10 days of Ramadan. Itikaf is a form of meditation in which the worshipper stays in the mosque contemplating and praying without going out except for the basic needs. The presidency has provided all necessary services to the worshippers to ensure that are at peace and serenity during their worship. Saud Al-Saadi, director of gates at the Prophet's Mosque, said the itikaf performers so far include 11,432 men and 2,143 women. "The presidency allocated three main areas for men to perform itikaf in and one area for women. There are also guides and workers available to serve and help the worshippers. All worshippers entering the mosque have to register electronically at the gate," said Al-Saadi. He added that worshippers were given a set of instructions to follow when there are performing itikaf. "They are required to maintain the cleanliness of the mosque and refrain from bothering and disturbing other worshippers. The itikaf period ends right after the Isha prayer on the eve of Eid. Worshippers are not allowed to hang clothes on cupboards where Qur'an copies are kept or on the walls of the mosque," said Al-Saadi. He said the presidency's online services are available in various languages to facilitate the process of registering for itikaf before entering the premises. Abdulwahid Al-Hattab, media and public relations director at the presidency, said the management has 391 female field supervisors who are trained to offer the best services to women worshippers at the Prophet's Mosque. There are also 445 seasonal employees in the women's area, he said, adding that 343 cleaning ladies are responsible for ensuring that the women's sections are clean and well-maintained. The employees help the worshippers get around the mosque and align prayer rows correctly during obligatory prayers. They also organize the entry and exit of women in the mosque, said Al-Hattab. He added the employees set up the iftar meals in 900 rows for women worshippers inside the mosque. "The employees are accessible to women performing itikaf and women with disabilities in case they need any help. The women management also ensures that female worshippers receive proper guidance on fasting, performing Umrah, prayer, ablution and itikaf. "The services are offered in Arabic and several other languages," said Al-Hattab.
