Doha: The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs has designated 202 mosques across the nation for the observance of Itikaf during the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Ministry has urged participants to adhere to the principles of Itikaf as outlined in Islamic Sharia and the Prophetic Sunnah, emphasizing the importance of choosing only the designated mosques, which have been selected based on their suitability as congregational sites and their facilities' readiness to accommodate worshippers.
In its statement, the Ministry specified that individuals wishing to partake in Itikaf should be at least 18 years old. Those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent, and the minimum age requirement is set at 8 years old. The Ministry also highlighted the importance of personal hygiene and maintaining cleanliness of the mosque premises, ensuring that mosque property remains intact and that participants avoid causing any disturbances.
Furthermore, the Ministry advised Itikaf observers to refrain from hanging clothing on the mosque's walls, columns, or furnishings to preserve the sanctity of the mosque. Additionally, participants were instructed to sleep and eat only in the areas assigned by the Mosque Administration, and it was noted that women are not permitted to perform Itikaf in mosques.