Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Mar 24: More than 900 worshippers have gathered at Dar-ul-Uloom Raheemiya, one of the largest Islamic seminaries in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, performing Itikaf this Ramadan.
The seminary, known for its long-standing tradition of hosting large Itikaf gatherings, has become a hub for spiritual seekers from across the country and even abroad.
According to the institution’s management, every Iftar and Sehri at Dar-ul-Uloom Raheemiya, around 230 plates of food are prepared, each serving four people. Volunteers ensure the timely distribution of meals, allowing nearly 900 Itikafis to break their fast and eat together in an organized manner.
Itikaf, a practice where individuals isolate themselves in Masjid or designated spaces to engage in prayers, supplications, and religious reflection, is considered an important part of Ramadan.
The large-scale gathering at Dar-ul-Uloom Raheemiya is not just about worship but also about community participation, with volunteers playing a crucial role in supporting those observing Itikaf.
Many locals, known as Khadims (helpers), dedicate themselves to ensuring that the participants, or Itikafis, have everything they need. From preparing meals for Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (evening meal) to maintaining cleanliness in the seminary, the volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes.
Shahid Ahmad, a local volunteer, has been assisting in Itikaf arrangements for the past five years. “Serving those in Itikaf is a blessing for us,” he said. “We wake up before Sehri to prepare food and ensure that everything is ready on time. It is tiring, but the satisfaction we get from serving others makes it worthwhile.”
The seminary sees a structured daily routine during these ten days, with prayers, Quranic recitations, and religious discussions filling the schedule. Volunteers like Muneeb Hussain, a 30-year-old from Bandipora, said the sense of brotherhood during this time is unparalleled.
“People from different places come here, but we all work together as one family. During Iftar, we ensure everyone gets their meal in time, and seeing them break their fast peacefully makes all our efforts worth it,” he said.
