Thousands to start observing Itikaf 2018 from today

MQI Secretary General Khurram Nawaz Gandapur, who is also head of the central committee responsible for arrangements at the Itikaf City 2018, visited the site of Itikaf and reviewed arrangements on the occasion, Jawad Hamid, the Secretary of Itikaf Committee, briefed the MQI Secretary General on the arrangements for the participants of Itikaf City.

Talking to the heads of the administrative committees, Khurram Nawaz Gandapur expressed his satisfaction on the quality of the arrangements. He said that all preparations have been done for Itikaf starting today (June 5). He said that thousands of the faithful will start their Itikaf (spiritual retreat) today in the company of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri at Jamy Al-Minhaj in Township area of Lahore. It is pertinent to mention here that it is the second biggest Itikaf gathering after the one held at Two Holy Mosques in Saudi Arabia. Itikaf will end only after the Eid moon is sighted.

More than 15,000 male and female people will observe Itikaf at separate locations in the Itikaf City. The caravans from Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, GB and KP have started reaching the venue.

Khurram Nawaz Gandapur told that more than 1500 youth belonging to MSM and MYL will perform security related duties. He said that security cameras have been installed at various locations of Itikaf City and walk-through gates have also been installed for entry of the people at the external points. He said that given intense hot weather, bigger fans have been installed and special arrangements for uninterrupted supply of water and electricity have also been made so that the faithful can attend to their spiritual routine without any disturbance.

MQI Secretary General informed that a team of 15 doctors will also perform their duties in different shifts whereas a pharmacy will also remain open 24/7 which will provide medicines to the sick people. He said that the staff of Minhaj Ambulance service will also be on duty round the clock. He further told that a large number of people from abroad will also join Itikaf City like the practice of the previous years.

Khurram Nawaz Gandapur said that Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri will deliver a special series of lecture on ‘Masnvi Maulana Rumi (R.A)’ after Isha prayers and ‘Trawih’. He said that large LED screens have been installed at various locations inside the venue where the faithful will be able to watch the speeches without any trouble. The speeches of Shaykh-ul-Islam and other events taking place at Itikaf City will be broadcast live around the world through the arrangements made by Minhaj Internet Bureau. Hundreds of people attend Itikaf City on optional basis. The whole Itikaf area has been divided into 20 blocs and 500 ‘halqa jaat’. He said that the concerned departments have been requested to declare Itikaf City load-shedding free. However, heavy generators are available to meet any eventuality. He said that excellent arrangements have been made for distribution of food at sehr and iftar time.