KUALA LUMPUR: With the start of the last 10 nights of Ramadan last Friday (March 21), the bigger mosques have become a focal point for Muslims seeking to observe iktikaf (the act of staying in a mosque for a certain period of time) and intensify their worship in pursuit of the blessed night of Lailatulqadar (the most venerated night of the Islamic calendar).
This has also gone viral on social media, with many Muslims sharing their experiences through videos and photos of mosques filled with worshippers throughout the night.
Some have also posted their reflections on the beauty of iktikaf, the virtues of worship during the last 10 nights and the shared spirit of seeking Lailatulqadar.
A survey by Bernama of several main mosques in the capital revealed a lively nighttime atmosphere, with worshippers not only performing the special tarawih prayers but also engaging in Quran recitation, dhikr (remembrance of God) and qiamullail (night prayers).
The Federal Territory Mosque at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim here, for instance, is seeing a larger number of worshippers now compared to the beginning of Ramadan, with many Muslims choosing to spend the night in the prayer hall to fully embrace the final nights of the holy month.
For Johara Bee Mohd Ibrahim, 75, from Gombak, renting a private room at the mosque since the start of Ramadan has allowed her to worship more comfortably.
"Having the opportunity to stay in a mosque that provides accommodation is very convenient, especially for elderly individuals like me. It allows us to engage in various spiritual activities in a more peaceful environment," she said.
She also said the melodious Quran recitations by guest imams from Syria and Egypt provide an experience reminiscent of being in Madinah and Makkah.
Sabri Abdeslem, 24, a Muslim from Bordeaux, France, expressed his excitement about experiencing iktikaf in Malaysia for the first time, saying the atmosphere of Ramadan in a Muslim country like Malaysia is very different from that of France.
"In France, fasting is more of a personal practice. We only break our fast with family, perform prayers at the mosque and then return home. Interaction with the wider Muslim community is more limited as most people observe their worship individually or within their immediate family circle.
"But in Malaysia, I see an incredible sense of openness and togetherness. People here are very friendly; they often invite me to break fast with them and join them for iktikaf at the mosque," he said, adding that he is also impressed by the mosque’s facilities, which make worship more comfortable.
Meanwhile, the Grand Imam of the Federal Territory Mosque Jamal Abdul Halim said there has been a significant increase in the number of worshippers during the final phase of Ramadan, with an average of 1,000 attending qiamullail prayers and nearly 500 choosing to stay overnight for iktikaf.
"In addition to guest imams from Egypt and Syria, who are known for their beautiful Quran recitations, worshippers also have the opportunity to recite the Quran with them after Asar (afternoon prayers).
"The mosque also provides free meals for both sahur (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (breaking of fast)," he said. - Bernama
