Faithful throng mosques as Ramadan nears end

The holy month of Ramadan is now in its final 10 days and this is the time when people gather in large numbers at mosques for the Qiyam-ul-layl (night prayer)."It’s beautiful to see the mosques remain lit up with believers inside them praying and reciting the Qur’an. It’s time to utilise the holy month for all, especially for all those who couldn’t properly worship during the first and second parts of Ramadan,” said Mohamed Shameer, who attended the Qiyam-ul-layl prayer at a mosque in Al Wakra."Performing the Qiyam-ul-layl prayer among such a big gathering of the faithful is a wonderful experience. We have been keen to perform the Qiyam-ul-layl prayer this year and are glad that we have been able to do so," said Ahmed, who had come with some of his friends.Meanwhile, many believers are performing I’tikaf (staying in mosque) on the last 10 days of Ramadan, spending the night praying and reciting the Holy Qura’n.I'tikaf is an Islamic practice about secluding oneself in a mosque during the last 10 days of the holy month, devoting oneself to the worship of Allah and staying away from worldly affairs.The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs recently allocated 111 mosques in various regions across Qatar for I’tikaf.Awqaf had urged those wishing to perform I'tikaf to learn the jurisprudence of I'tikaf, and to perform it in the specified mosques.According to the Awqaf's directives, the person in retreat should not be less than 18 years. A guardian should accompany if the age of the person doing I’tikaf is less than 18.On odd-numbered nights, mosques record an increase in the flow of worshippers since Laylat Al-Qadr (The Night of Decree) is expected on these nights. It is most likely to be on the night of the 27th (Ramadan), and a huge number of believers are expected to throng the mosques on Monday night. "We feel spiritually elevated while we stand in front of God seeking forgiveness and rejoice in praying with the prominent imams who recite the Holy Qur’an amazingly,” said a worshipper.