In Madinah and Makkah, the ritual of itikaf will resume during the holy month of Ramadan after a two-year break. The announcement was made by Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the General Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques.

Al-Sudais stated that the presidency will begin granting permits through its official website soon, based on the specific criteria and conditions.

During Ramadan in 2020, itikaf, the ritual of staying in a mosque solely for worship and meditation, was suspended at the Two Holy Mosques due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a precautionary measure to stem the spread of Coronavirus, itikaf was suspended during Ramadan of 2021.

During the last 10 days of Ramadan, over 100,000 people performed itikaf in the two mosques.

According to the presidency, rooftops of mosques were allocated to itikaf with separate shelves and safes. In addition to a prayer rug, pillow, light bed sheet, and ihram clothes, worshippers are provided with a locker and a key to store their belongings.

Additionally, the presidency has launched an online portal that provides guidance and registration facilities to prospective worshippers who plan to perform itikaf.