AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): On the 15th of Rajab 1446, corresponding with January 16, 2025, the spiritual Iʿtikaf ceremony ended at the time of the Maghrib prayer. After three days of prayer, supplication, and fasting, the participants concluded their Iʿtikaf in mosques across Iran and other parts of the world.
On this occasion, the National Iʿtikaf Headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in its statement, expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the organization of this grand ritual and expressed hope that morality and spirituality would be the priority of all human societies and that a world filled with justice, devoid of oppression and arrogance, under the sovereignty of monotheism, would be realized in alignment with the global mission of Imam Mahdi (a.s.).
The statement is as follows:
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Praise be to God, the Most Exalted, who once again granted us the blessing to experience moments filled with spirituality and sincerity in His divine presence. During the blessed days of Iʿtikaf in the month of Rajab, with tranquil hearts and souls illuminated by heavenly light, we gathered in the presence of God to be nourished by His Ma’arifah and to distance ourselves from the distractions of the material world. Iʿtikaf is not merely an individual act of worship but a collective movement demonstrating how religious faith can be transformed into righteous social action, guiding us on the path toward God, the Most Exalted.
Now, as this great spiritual event concludes, we must present a comprehensive statement to review the achievements of this faith-driven movement and to convey the message of spirituality and morality from the mosques hosting Iʿtikaf to the public.
Iʿtikaf was an opportunity to engage in seclusion and reflection on our inner selves, to rebuild our inner being, and to connect our spirit with divine morality and spirituality. During these days, through self-awareness and self-purification achieved by reciting the Quran, prayer, and supplication, we delved into the depths of our souls and realized that monotheistic spirituality is the only path to saving humanity from moral and spiritual crises.
As stated in this year’s slogan, “Iʿtikaf: Spirituality and Resistance,” the comprehensive worship of Iʿtikaf serves as a platform for cultivating resistant, determined individuals and warriors in the path of God. Iʿtikaf symbolizes resistance against carnal desires and worldly temptations. During these days, by distancing ourselves from material pleasures and distractions, we learned how to rely on our faith and willpower to walk the path of truth. On the final day of Iʿtikaf, everyone witnessed how the patience, perseverance, and resistance of the people of Gaza against oppression and arrogance forced the Zionist regime to retreat, bringing dignity and victory to the people of Gaza and Palestine.
This spiritual period provided an opportunity to reflect on oppression and inequality and to practice standing against tyranny and injustice. We firmly believe that with reliance on God the Almighty and trust in Him, we can resist any form of oppression and achieve victory.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this ceremony was the vibrant and enthusiastic presence of adolescents and youth, who participated in this spiritual movement with unwavering faith and determination. Through their active and responsible participation, this generation demonstrated its capability to be true bearers of religious and spiritual values, disrupting the misguided calculations of Islam’s enemies. With God’s help, the future for young people is bright and promising.
Iʿtikaf reminds us of the truth that no ideal is unattainable with reliance on God and sincere effort. Benefiting from this civilization-building act of worship, we are filled with hope and firm resolve to take steps toward serving society and realizing lofty ideals. The guidance of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khamenei (may God protect him), and the lofty spirit of the great struggler, Martyr Sayed Hassan Nasrallah (may God elevate his rank), inspire and motivate us to continue the fight against oppression and arrogance with greater strength and determination. These great figures are symbols of resistance and steadfastness in the face of injustice, and we must benefit from their teachings in our personal and social lives.
In conclusion, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all popular groups, mosques, benefactors, and cultural and executive organizations of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who worked tirelessly to organize the comprehensive worship of Iʿtikaf. We hope for the day when morality and spirituality become the priority of all human societies, and a world filled with justice, devoid of oppression and arrogance, under the sovereignty of monotheism, is realized in alignment with the global mission of Imam Mahdi (a.s.).
“And peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.”
Rajab 1446
January 2025
The National Iʿtikaf Headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran
**************
End/ 345