Ijtimas

Ijtima, plural ijtimaat (also transliterated ijtema or ijtimaas), is a term used in Islamic contexts to denote a gathering or assembly. It derives from the Arabic ijtimāʿ, meaning “to come together.” In practice, ijtima refers to large congregational events organized for religious learning, worship, or communal renewal. In many Muslim communities—particularly in South Asia—the word is used for organized conferences or conventions that may last several days and include lectures, sermons, prayers, study circles, and group activities. These gatherings are often hosted by mosques, religious associations, or movements such as the Tablighi Jamaat.

A notable example is the Bishwa Ijtema, a worldwide congregation held annually on the banks of the Turag River near Tongi, Bangladesh. It is one of the largest Muslim gatherings in the world, attracting millions of participants from many countries. Other regional ijtimas occur in India, Pakistan, and elsewhere, serving as forums for spiritual renewal, dawah (proselytizing), and communal solidarity. Attendance is typically open to Muslims who travel to the site for instruction and worship, with logistics such as housing, food, and transportation often organized by volunteers or local organizers.

In modern usage, ijtima can refer to any large congregational meeting for religious purposes, but it remains most closely associated with revivalist or reformist movements that emphasize personal piety, religious learning, and collective outreach.