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IN PHOTOS: Shia faithful observe Itikaf at Kufa mosque during Laylat al-Qadr in holy city of Kufa

Updated On: 13 March, 2026 06:29 PM IST | Tarun Verma

Shia Muslim faithful, including Iranian visitors and devotees from across the world, gathered at the historic Kufa Mosque in the holy city of Kufa, south of Baghdad, to observe Itikaf, a spiritual retreat during the blessed nights of Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Destiny. Considered one of the holiest nights of Ramadan, Laylat al-Qadr is believed to be the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Pics/AFP)

Muslim Shia faithful, including Iranian visitors and others, participate in the ritual of Itikaf, or spiritual retreat, at the Kufa Mosque. Pic/AFP

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Muslim Shia faithful, including Iranian visitors and others, participate in the ritual of Itikaf, or spiritual retreat, at the Kufa Mosque. Pic/AFP
Shia Muslim faithful gather at the historic Kufa Mosque in the holy city of Kufa, south of Baghdad, to observe Itikaf, a spiritual retreat during the blessed nights of Laylat al-Qadr in Ramadan

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Shia Muslim faithful gather at the historic Kufa Mosque in the holy city of Kufa, south of Baghdad, to observe Itikaf, a spiritual retreat during the blessed nights of Laylat al-Qadr in Ramadan

Iranian visitors and Shia devotees from across the world join the Itikaf spiritual retreat at Kufa Mosque, spending days and nights in prayer and reflection during the holiest nights of Ramadan

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Iranian visitors and Shia devotees from across the world join the Itikaf spiritual retreat at Kufa Mosque, spending days and nights in prayer and reflection during the holiest nights of Ramadan

Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Destiny, is believed to be the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad, making it one of the most sacred and spiritually powerful nights of the Islamic calendar

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Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Destiny, is believed to be the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad, making it one of the most sacred and spiritually powerful nights of the Islamic calendar

The Kufa Mosque, one of the oldest and most revered mosques in the Islamic world, located in the holy city of Kufa south of Baghdad in Iraq, draws thousands of Shia pilgrims every year during Ramadan

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The Kufa Mosque, one of the oldest and most revered mosques in the Islamic world, located in the holy city of Kufa south of Baghdad in Iraq, draws thousands of Shia pilgrims every year during Ramadan

Itikaf, the Islamic practice of spiritual retreat in a mosque during the final days of Ramadan, is observed with deep devotion by Shia Muslims

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Itikaf, the Islamic practice of spiritual retreat in a mosque during the final days of Ramadan, is observed with deep devotion by Shia Muslims

The atmosphere at Kufa Mosque during Laylat al-Qadr is one of deep spirituality and devotion, as hundreds of Shia Muslims engage in prayer, Quran recitation and supplication through the night

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The atmosphere at Kufa Mosque during Laylat al-Qadr is one of deep spirituality and devotion, as hundreds of Shia Muslims engage in prayer, Quran recitation and supplication through the night

Devotees bow in prayer at the Kufa Mosque during Itikaf, seeking the blessings and forgiveness that are believed to be abundantly available on the holy nights of Laylat al-Qadr during Ramadan

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Devotees bow in prayer at the Kufa Mosque during Itikaf, seeking the blessings and forgiveness that are believed to be abundantly available on the holy nights of Laylat al-Qadr during Ramadan

As Ramadan draws to a close, Shia Muslims at Kufa Mosque make the most of the remaining blessed nights of Laylat al-Qadr, seeking divine mercy and forgiveness during the Itikaf spiritual retreat.

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As Ramadan draws to a close, Shia Muslims at Kufa Mosque make the most of the remaining blessed nights of Laylat al-Qadr, seeking divine mercy and forgiveness during the Itikaf spiritual retreat.

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