Hawzah News Agency- In a meeting with Hojatoleslam Seyyed Abdolhossein Tekiei, head of the Central Headquarters for Itikaf, along with a number of senior members of the organizing body, the senior marjaʿ expressed satisfaction with what he described as the remarkable quantitative and qualitative growth of the Itikaf ceremonies held this year. He called the expansion of the ritual “good news” and a genuine source of hope for the country.
Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi said the increasing participation in Itikaf and the expansion in the number of mosques hosting the ritual demonstrate that spirituality has become more deeply rooted in society. “The fact that young people are showing greater interest in Itikaf indicates that, by the grace of God, spirituality has prevailed in the country,” he said, adding that this trend reflects tangible progress in religious belief and practice.
Emphasizing the importance of preserving and strengthening this spiritual tradition, he described Itikaf as one of the nation’s most valuable religious assets. According to the senior cleric, the retreat offers a unique opportunity for self-purification, reflection, and reconnection with God, particularly at a time when societies face moral, cultural, and psychological challenges.
Addressing officials and organizers of the Central Headquarters for Itikaf, Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi stressed the need to safeguard the spiritual atmosphere of the ceremonies and ensure that programs conducted during the retreat remain meaningful, well-organized, and spiritually enriching. He underlined that careful planning and sincere intention are essential to prevent the ritual from becoming merely formal or symbolic.
“There is no doubt that if this spiritual ceremony continues in the right manner, its positive effects will gradually extend beyond the participants and influence the entire country,” he said, pointing to the broader social impact of religious practices rooted in sincerity and moral discipline.
In his concluding remarks, Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi congratulated all those who took part in this year’s Itikaf, with special praise for the youth who have embraced the practice. He offered prayers for the participants, expressing hope that their personal difficulties would be resolved through divine grace and in the light of their devotion and worship.
During the same meeting, Hojatoleslam Tekiei presented a detailed report on the organization and implementation of the Itikaf ceremonies across the country. He highlighted the expanding scope of the program, the growing participation of young people, and the role of this prophetic tradition in promoting spirituality, moral awareness, and social responsibility.
Tekiei also emphasized that the widespread observance of Itikaf has contributed to the strengthening of faith, self-discipline, and ethical values in society. He expressed appreciation for Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi’s guidance and remarks, noting that such counsel would help further clarify the position of Itikaf and enhance its role in deepening religious understanding and personal development throughout the country.
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