Itikaf is an Arabic word, meaning to stay, confine or keep confined. In terminology, itikaf is to confine oneself to a specific place for a specific period of time with the intention of itikaf for the purpose of worship. The one who does itikaf is called ‘mutakif’. Allah Almighty says: “When We made the Kaaba a place of meeting and a place of peace for people, and you took the ‘Maqam Ibrahim’ as a place of prayer, and We commanded Abraham and Ismail, saying: ‘Purify My House for those who circumambulate it, those who perform itikaf, and those who bow and prostrate themselves. And do not touch women as long as you remain in the mosque in a state of itikaf.” (Surah-2 Al-Baqarah, verse: 125). This is the limit set by Allah. So do not approach it. Thus does Allah explain His verses to people, so that they may become pious.’ Hazrat Aisha Siddique (RA) narrates that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to observe Itikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan throughout his life. Even after his death, his wives used to observe Itikaf.
conditions for Itikaf
- Being a Muslim,
- Not being insane,
- Reaching the age of maturity,
- Making an intention,
- Being in a state of ritual purity, including performing the mandatory Bath and being free from menstruation or post-natal bleeding,
- Being in the mosque for Itikaf. It is better to perform Itikaf in a Jamat mosque, according to Imam Malik. However, according to Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Itikaf is not allowed in a mosque where congregational prayers (Jamat) are not held,
- Fasting (though there are differences in opinion regarding the fasting requirement). According to Imam Shafi, Itikaf is permissible without fasting. Imam Ahmad also shares this opinion. However, Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Malik believe that Itikaf is not valid without fasting. Imam Ahmad holds the same view.
The reason fasting is required in Itikaf is so that the congregation prayer is not neglected. Ibn Abbas was once asked about a person who fasts during the day, prays Taraweeh at night, but does not pray in congregation nor attends the Friday prayer. He replied that such a person will go to Hell.
The main point is that the more secluded Itikaf is, and the less interaction there is with people, the better. The person performing Itikaf should engage in private prayer, supplication, and worship. Therefore, Imam Ahmad said that it is better not to teach knowledge or the Qur'an to anyone during Itikaf.
Rules for observing Itikaf
One should enter the mosque after the Asr prayer on the 20th of Ramadan. One should end the Itikaf before Maghrib after the sighting of the moon of Shawwal on the 29th or 30th. The conditions for a valid I'tikaf are to be a Muslim, to be knowledgeable, to be clean from Janabat and from menstruation and post-partum bleeding.
Disliked (Makruh) for the person in Itikaf
- Engaging in buying and selling,
- Speaking words that lead to sin
- Staying silent and considering it an act of worship, thereby avoiding speaking altogether.
The actions that break I'tikaf
- Leaving the mosque without a valid reason, even for a short time.
- Engaging in sexual intercourse.
- Becoming insane (losing mental capacity).
- The woman experiencing menstruation (Hayz) or post-natal bleeding (Nifas).
- Apostasy (renouncing Islam).
What should we do during Itikaf?
During Itikaf, one can recite the Quran, memorize important Surahs, prayers, and Tasbih, practice praying for a long time, study the lives of Muslim scholars, recite Tasbih, Durood Sharif, etc. It is necessary for the Imam, Muazzin, committee members, and even the worshipers of the mosque to be aware of providing all kinds of assistance to the Itikafah. It is absolutely necessary to engage in long Qira'at (recitation) for a long time late at night, and to engage in deep prayers after Iftar, Sahri, and every time prayer.
What is permissible for a person performing Itikaf
- Going out of the mosque for urgent matters. It was narrated from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that she said: The Sunnah for a person performing Itikaf is not to visit the sick, not to attend the funeral, not to touch his wife, not to have sexual intercourse, and not to leave the mosque unless absolutely necessary. (Abu Dawud)
- Taking shelter and sleeping in the mosque. However, one must protect and maintain the purity of the mosque.
- Speaking permissible words and talking to others when necessary.
- Cutting one’s hair, trimming one’s nails, cleaning oneself, wearing good clothes and applying perfume. It was narrated from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to perform I’tikaf in the mosque. He would put his head inside the chamber. I would put a towel over his head.’ (Bukhari and Muslim)
How do women perform Itikaf?
Men must perform Itikaf in the mosque. Women will perform Itikaf in a specific room or designated area. They should not leave that room or area except for natural or essential needs. If they go outside for ablution or purification, they should not engage in conversation or exchange greetings with anyone. If someone greets them, they should not respond. However, if necessary, they can call someone from outside the room and exchange greetings or talk to anyone who enters the room. The Itikaf room can be occupied by those who are not performing Itikaf. If the Itikaf room is a bedroom, and others are in the same room or on the same bed, there is no issue; even a husband may stay beside them. However,marital relations are prohibited during Itikaf, as it would break the Itikaf. During Itikaf, worship and devotion are the main focus.
The time for entering and ending Itikaf
When a person enters the mosque with the intention of Itikaf, that moment marks the beginning of their Itikaf. Similarly, the Itikaf ends when they leave the mosque with the intention of ending it. For example, if someone wishes to perform Itikaf during the last 10 days of Ramadan, they will enter the mosque before sunset on the first day of the last 10 days, and will exit the mosque after sunset on the last day of Ramadan.