The International Islamic University (IIU) has ordered the Dawah Academy to “immediately” end the Rs5,000 non-refundable application fee for itikaf, the varsity’s spokesperson said on Thursday.

IIU President Hazal Hamood Al-Otaibi has also asked the academy to get official permission from the varsity president before deciding any matters of the Faisal Mosque that are linked to the people, spokesperson Nasir Fareed.

The president advised the academy not to take any unilateral decision.

During itikaf, worshippers seclude themselves in the last 10 days of Ramadan and devote themselves to the worship of Allah.

This year, a total of 300 people will be able to sit in itikaf in Faisal Masjid. Applicants will get slots on ‘first come first serve’ basis.

The mosque’s administration has fixed a deadline of the 10th day of Ramadan for application this year.

The statement comes after the administration increased the application fee from Rs3,000 last year to Rs5,000 this year. The charges did not include food for worshippers at sehri and iftari.

The spokesman added that the IIU president also called for providing all possible facilities to the worshipers in the Faisal Mosque in Ramazan and facilities should also be created regarding all matters related to itikaaf.

IIU President Hazal Hamood Al-Otaibi also added that the best arrangements should be made regarding the itikaf.