As Ramadan moves into its most spiritual phase, Qatar has introduced clear guidelines for worshippers planning to observe I’tikaf, a traditional mosque retreat during the final ten nights of the holy month.
The Qatar Ramadan I’tikaf guidelines, issued by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, aim to ensure that worshippers can perform the retreat in a calm, organised, and respectful environment.
For many Muslims, these final nights hold deep spiritual significance. It is a time when people step away from daily routines and dedicate themselves to prayer, reflection, and seeking forgiveness.
But to keep the experience smooth for everyone, authorities have confirmed that I’tikaf will only take place in selected mosques across the country, with several rules in place for participants.
Selected Mosques Will Host the Ramadan Retreat
Under the new guidelines, worshippers will only be able to observe I’tikaf in designated congregational mosques approved by authorities.
These mosques were carefully chosen based on their ability to accommodate large numbers of worshippers comfortably. Factors such as location, available prayer space, resting areas, and basic facilities were considered before finalising the list.
The goal is simple: avoid overcrowding and ensure that worshippers can spend their time in a peaceful environment.
Anyone who has experienced the last nights of Ramadan in a mosque knows the atmosphere well — rows of worshippers praying late into the night, quiet corners for reading the Quran, and a shared sense of spiritual focus.
To support this experience, the selected mosques will also include designated areas for sleeping, eating, and resting, ensuring participants have the necessary facilities during the retreat.
This structured approach is similar to how many large mosques across the Gulf region organise Ramadan worship programmes.
Worshippers Asked to Respect Mosque Etiquette
Along with announcing the locations, the ministry also reminded participants to follow proper mosque etiquette throughout the retreat.
I’tikaf is not simply staying inside a mosque overnight. It is a spiritual practice rooted in Islamic tradition, where worshippers spend time in prayer, reflection, and reciting the Quran.
Because of this, participants are encouraged to approach the retreat with the right mindset and respect for the space.
Authorities highlighted several key expectations:
- Keep prayer and sleeping areas clean
- Respect shared spaces inside the mosque
- Avoid any behaviour that could damage mosque property
Mosques, officials reminded, are charitable spaces that belong to the wider Muslim community, and maintaining them is everyone’s responsibility.
Simple Rules to Maintain a Peaceful Environment
Anyone who has attended late-night Ramadan prayers knows how important a quiet atmosphere can be.
To maintain that peaceful setting, authorities have outlined clear rules for behaviour during the retreat.
Worshippers are encouraged to keep conversations low and avoid actions that may disturb others.
There are also practical guidelines participants must follow:
- Do not hang clothes on mosque walls or pillars
- Avoid blocking common facilities
- Only eat or rest in designated areas within the mosque
These may sound like small details, but they help ensure that hundreds of worshippers can share the same space comfortably during the final nights of Ramadan.
Those nights are especially meaningful, as they include Laylat Al Qadr — the Night of Power, believed to be the most sacred night in the Islamic calendar.
Age Rules for Participants
The ministry has also introduced clear age criteria for those wishing to participate in I’tikaf.
Adults aged 18 and above can join the retreat independently.
However, younger worshippers aged between 8 and 18 are still allowed to attend, provided they are accompanied by a guardian.
This rule ensures that younger participants remain supervised and that the environment inside the mosque remains organised during overnight stays.
As per previous regulations, mosque-based I’tikaf during Ramadan will be limited to male worshippers, in line with the ministry’s arrangements for religious activities during the holy month.
A Sacred Tradition Observed Across the Muslim World
I’tikaf is a deeply meaningful tradition observed by Muslims around the world.
During the last ten nights of Ramadan, worshippers withdraw from daily life and spend their time in the mosque, focusing on prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth.
Across the Gulf, including the UAE, mosques see thousands of worshippers gathering late into the night during this period.
Many residents also look forward to Ramadan community programmes and special mosque events held across the region.
Authorities across the Gulf often introduce Ramadan guidelines to ensure safe and organised worship experiences. Residents are also closely following updates about Ramadan prayer schedules and religious events happening throughout the holy month.
With these new rules, Qatar aims to make sure that the sacred practice continues smoothly, allowing worshippers to fully embrace the spiritual essence of the final nights of Ramadan.
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