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Muslims try to spend the last 10 nights of Ramadan inside a mosque

Allowing people to spend more time in prayer and recitation of the Holy Quran, Iti’kaaf arrangements are made in different mosques of Dubai.

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With the end of the holy month of Ramadan in sight, Muslims across the world turn to night prayers and dedicate more time in acts of worship. Iti’kaaf, a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), encourages Muslims to spend the last 10 nights of Ramadan inside a mosque.

Allowing people to spend more time in prayer and recitation of the Holy Quran, Iti’kaaf arrangements are made in different mosques of Dubai. This year, more than 60 people have settled inside the Al Ghurair Mosque next to Deira’s Naif Souq.

Among them is 29-year old Farhan Umar Sorathia. He can’t speak or hear unlike the other people inside the mosque but still makes the most of this Sunnah by engaging in acts of worship.

“It provides a break from my daily life and that’s why I have come here. When I come for Iti’kaaf, I feel closer to Allah. There is this sense of serenity and peace which can be felt from within. It is unlike any other feeling one can ever experience,” says Sorathia.

He uses his mobile phone and hand gestures to communicate with people inside the mosque. Answering a question posed by this reporter on his mobile phone, he said: “Most of our time is spent in spiritual acts which lead to a sense of fulfillment. When we are outside, we are always concerned about the world and what’s happening around us.”

His friend Afnan Aqeel has been a regular at the mosque. For the last five years, Afnan has made it a point to stay inside the mosque for Itik’aaf during the last 10 nights.

“There are many reasons I choose to spend my time inside the mosque. Throughout the year, I am busy with studies at university and the summer break is a good time to renew our bond with the creator.”

The two-storey mosque has a large atrium and marble flooring — which is a change from the traditional carpet floors found in most mosques. A walk inside the mosque during the Iti’kaaf period reveals people from every walk of life indulging in prayer and worship.

In a far corner, Muslims from a Russian congregation have come to experience Ramadan in the UAE. The group of people has an Amir, who makes the arrangements and ensures the group does not face a language problem as most of them speak only Russian.

“One feels a greater sense of attachment with Allah during Iti’kaaf and the ambiance inside the mosque is very different from what you feel inside your own house. There is no hustle-bustle of people and vain talk. Everyone prays in congregation, which is very rewarding,” remarks Aqeel.

The congregation will disperse when the moon is sighted and the people return to their worldly lives with the announcement of the first day of Eid Al Fitr.

muaz@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE