How to register for Itikaf in Makkah & Madina 2024

Itikaf is a time to reconnect with Allah while being away from the stresses of worldly life.

Itikaf is regarded as a form of religious retreat among Muslims. Several Muslims devote their days and nights to the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan.

All Muslims around the world are welcome to perform Itikaf in Makkah and their journey could become easier if they have registered beforehand. After a prolonged ban due to the COVID-19 crisis, Saudi Arabia decided last year that Itikaf registration in Makkah and Madina would once again be permitted. 

Here is the complete process of how you can get yourself registered for Itikaf in Makkah.

Itikaf registration in Makkah 2023:

It is very easy to register for the Itikaf in Makkah. The Saudi government has started offering web portal facilities to eligible worshippers who want to perform the Itikaf rite during the holy month of Ramadan, providing registration facilities and directions.

Requirements to perform Itikaf in Makkah:

Itikaf begins on the 20th day of Ramadan and concludes after the Isha prayer when the Eid-ul-Fitr moon is sighted.

These conditions must be met in order to register with Itikaf:

• The minimum age should be 18 years.
• The person should hold a valid visit visa, umrah visa, or Iqama.
• A digital copy of the passport or Iqama should be submitted.
• The vaccine status of the person should be immune.

Now, if you meet all these conditions all you have to do is go to the National Information Center’s official website and follow these steps:

Simply click the following link to visit this website: https://eservice.gph.gov.sa/visit

A login page will be displayed. Use your ABSHER password and iqama number to log in to the website. It means that first, you must have an ABSHER account. If you don’t already have one, you may sign up right away. 

What is an Absher?

Absher is an internet portal service offered by the Saudi government that enables residents and visitors to gain access to a variety of information and services.

You must first create and activate an account to use Absher. 

• You can find the Absher registration form here: https://www.absher.sa/.
• Open the link and click “Individuals”.
• Select your preferred language.
• Now click the icon “New user?” this will take you to a new page.

Now you need to fill out the form using the required details:

• Enter your ID number or Iqama number if you are an ex-pat and your order number if you are a visitor.
• Enter your Saudi cell phone number.
• Now enter your username, password, and a valid email address.
• Now select your preferred language.
• Enter the image or code.
• Accept all the terms and conditions.
• Upon clicking the “Next” button you will receive a code on your phone number to verify.
• Your Absher account has now been created successfully and you can now activate it.

Now you have an Absher account so you can easily proceed with the process of Itikaf registration in Makkah 2023.

How to register yourself: A complete guideline.

1. First, log in to https://eservice.gph.gov.sa/visit/home.aspx.
2. Although this page is in Arabic, Google Chrome offers translation services.
3. After signing in go to the bottom of the page and click “نظام الاعتكاف بالمسجد الحرام”.
4. Click “الدخول للنظام”.
5. Agree to the terms and conditions by clicking the empty box and then clicking “التالي “.
6. Now you need to upload an image of your current iqama. (You can also check the validity of your Iqama.)
7. Select a language.
8. now Enter both your email address and mobile number.
9. Click on ” تقديم طلب الاعتكاف ” now to continue.
10. Just that, you have finished the process of Itikaf registration in Makkah 2023. You will now get a text message with your registration number and other information.
11. Now, wait for a confirmation text before you can receive an Itikaf permit. So, make sure your mobile device is on and check your email regularly.

Is registration mandatory?

Anyone who failed to sign up for the Itikaf registration in Makkah 2023 should not worry. It is not mandatory to sign up for Itikaf in Makkah. It is only required in Madina. In Makkah, Itikaf is easily performed by anyone.

All of the Haram is accessible for Itikaf throughout Ramadan. Nobody will inquire about your Itikaf at Makkah. Simply choose a location for Itikaf in the allocated space. The Itikaf card can only be used to re-enter the mosque during times when it is closed to new guests. 

Suggestions to be noted:

• Anyone can apply and get registered for Itikaf from the 25th of Shaban to the 10th of Ramzan.
• When you arrive in Makkah, you can pick up your Itikaf card between Ramadan 15 and 19 at the counter.
• You can still do Itikaf even if you were unable to obtain the Itikaf card due to any issue. The locker is the single perk of the card.
• Keep in mind that Haram only has a limited number of lockers, thus those whose registration numbers fall within the range of the locker are given the locker.
• Don’t spend hefty amounts on booking nearby hotel rooms upon reaching Makkah for Itikaf because Itikaf will take place at the King Fahd expansion’s basement as well as another part (basement) of the mosque. There is no cap for the number of applicants in Makkah.