6 Points Complete Guide to Perform Etikaf in Masjid al Haram (Makkah)

Muslims perform Etikaf during the last 10 days of Ramadan due to its religious importance. It is a dream of each and every Muslim to perform Etikaf in Masjid al-Haram (Makkah). During Etikaf, they are not allowed to go out of the mosque without very important needs like going to washrooms and having meals.

Today, we are going to share with you a set of guidelines which you should follow while performing Etikaf in Masjid al-Haram (Makkah). Also Read: Procedure to Apply for Etikaf in Masjid al Nabawi (Madina)

01-Packing Essentials: 3 to 4 set of clothes is enough since the Etikaf will be lasting for 9 to 10 days, and depending on how regularly you need to shower too. For the ladies, it is best to carry extra hijab and abaya with you just in case.

Although it is very hot in Makkah, the nights can get chilly if your clothes are really thin. Try wearing cotton as it is best suited for both day and night.

• Pack your hand wipes, oud, deodorant, tissue, comb, extra pair of glasses, toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Charger for your cell phone, but be sure not to be on your phone during Etikaf.
• Prayer mat
• Sleeping equipment such as blankets, inflatable pillows etc.

02-Where should you sleep? People in Etikaaf are usually on the first floor of the Masjid Al Haram as it is not as crowded as the ground floor. You can enter through gate no.44 and it will take you straight up by the stairs.

You will find separate areas for men and women. The best thing about this is that the area for ablution will be located right behind you; hence you will not have to go to the bathroom in order to do wudu. Also right out of the gate no.84, are the female bathrooms as well as the restaurants.

03-Where should you pray? Although the air-conditioned halls may seem like the best place to sleep, they tend to get overcrowded during the Taraweeh time and the time prior to Iftar (breaking the fast).

It is best to have a sleeping bag which can be stuffed with all your stuff for safety and in order to be carried easily to a prayer spot.

In terms of location, look for someplace cool, but not preferably air conditioned, as these areas will be less crowded allowing you to actually pray comfortably instead of being squashed in the air-conditioned halls.

You can also get a spectacular view of the Holy Kaaba from some of the cabins. Try going for someplace close to the King Abdul Aziz Gate.

04-Where to eat and what to eat? Iftar will not be a problem as it is served. If you are outside, there are small packs which are distributed through official channels.

These packs have dates, juice, water, croissant etc. this will be enough to last you until the end of Taraweeh. If you are inside then you will surely get something as many people and officials are distributing iftar for the worshippers.

For suhoor and dinner, you can go to the Hilton towers located right across from you. There are some fast food outlets where you can purchase your food from.

• Pizza’s of Eight – this is a pizza place located there and has short waiting time along with also having a separate cue for the families. Their pizza sizes are also larger than usual, which is a good thing.
• Al Tazaj – best-tasting chicken broast, but only the strong-willed can stand in the long queues for this delicious chicken.
• House of Donuts – this place has coffee for only SAR 3. This can help you in staying awake for prayer, or generally if you like coffee. Plus there are donuts!!!
• There are Shawarma shops located outside the tower; you can also get rice and rotisserie chicken. Be on the lookout for hygiene though as you do not want to get sick.
• Even dates and Zam Zam will be sufficient for you.

...[ Continue to next page ]  /  Source: lifeinsaudiarabia