I’tikaf (Seclusion in Worship)

By: Ubaidullah Tahir Hafizahullah

The Command of Allah Regarding I’tikaf​

Allah Almighty states in the Quran:

✿ «وَلَا تُبَاشِرُوهُنَّ وَأَنتُمْ عَاكِفُونَ فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ» [البقرة: 187]
"And do not have relations with them while you are in i'tikaf in the mosques."
This verse establishes that I’tikaf must be observed in a mosque.

Guidelines for Observing I’tikaf​

• Mosque Selection: I’tikaf can be performed in any mosque, but it is preferable to choose a mosque where congregational prayers, including Jumu’ah (Friday prayers), are established. This minimizes the need to leave the mosque frequently.
• Recommended Acts for the Mua'takif (One in I’tikaf):
  The individual performing I’tikaf should engage in voluntary acts of worship, including:
  
  • Salah (prayers)
  • Recitation of the Quran
  • Praises and glorification of Allah (Tasbeeh, Tahmeed, Takbeer, Istighfar)
  • Sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ (Durud and Salam)
  • Supplications (Duas)
  • Studying Islamic books, Tafseer, Hadith, and Fiqh
  • Reflecting on the lives of the Prophets and pious individuals
    The Mua'takif should avoid idle talk and actions that lack benefit.

Pursuit of Laylat al-Qadr Through I’tikaf​

❀ Hadith of Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (RA):
"The Prophet ﷺ observed I’tikaf during the first ten days of Ramadan, seeking Laylat al-Qadr. Then, he observed it in the middle ten days but was told by Jibreel that Laylat al-Qadr was in the last ten days. On the morning of the 20th of Ramadan, the Prophet ﷺ delivered a sermon, instructing those in I’tikaf to continue, as Laylat al-Qadr would occur in the odd nights of the last ten days. That night, it rained, and the Prophet ﷺ's forehead and nose bore traces of mud and water, fulfilling his vision."
[Sahih Bukhari: 813]

The Prophet’s Practice of I’tikaf​

1. Last Ten Days of Ramadan:
   
   • Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) narrated:
     "The Prophet ﷺ used to observe I’tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan."
     [Sahih Bukhari: 2025, Sahih Muslim: 1171]
2. Extended I’tikaf:
   
   • Abu Huraira (RA) reported:
     "The Prophet ﷺ used to perform I’tikaf for ten days every Ramadan. In the year he passed away, he observed I’tikaf for twenty days."
     [Sahih Bukhari: 2044]

Making Up Missed I’tikaf​

1. When I’tikaf Is Missed:
   
   • If an individual misses I’tikaf due to valid reasons, it is recommended to make it up.
   • Example:
     "The Prophet ﷺ missed I’tikaf one year due to travel. He made up for it the following year by observing I’tikaf for twenty days."
     [Sunan Abi Dawood: 2463, Sahih]
2. Combining Missed I’tikaf with Future Observance:
   
   • This practice is supported by Hadiths such as that of Ubayy ibn Ka’b (RA), demonstrating the Prophet ﷺ’s method of making up for missed I’tikaf.

Entering and Exiting I’tikaf​

1. Time of Entry:
   
   • Aisha (RA) narrated:
     "The Prophet ﷺ would enter his place of I’tikaf after offering Fajr prayer."
     [Sahih Bukhari: 2041, Sahih Muslim: 297]
   • Note: Scholars agree that for the last ten days of Ramadan, one should begin I’tikaf before sunset on the 20th of Ramadan.
2. Time of Exit:
   
   • The Mua'takif should leave after the sunset of the final day of Ramadan. It is preferable to stay in the mosque until Eid prayer, but leaving after sunset is sufficient.

Special Guidelines for Women​

1. Place of I’tikaf:
   
   • Majority Opinion: Women should observe I’tikaf in the mosque.
   • Hanafi Opinion: Women may perform I’tikaf in a designated area of their home.
2. Example from the Wives of the Prophet ﷺ:
   
   • Aisha (RA) narrated:
     "After the Prophet ﷺ passed away, his wives observed I’tikaf."
     [Sahih Bukhari: 2026, Sahih Muslim: 1171]

Miscellaneous Rulings​

1. Leaving the Mosque:
   
   • Aisha (RA) narrated:
     "The Prophet ﷺ would only leave the mosque for human necessities."
     [Sahih Bukhari: 2029, Sahih Muslim: 297]
2. Cleanliness and Grooming:
   
   • Aisha (RA) narrated:
     "While in I’tikaf, the Prophet ﷺ would extend his head to me, and I would comb his hair."
     [Sahih Bukhari: 2028, Sahih Muslim: 297]
3. Moderate Voice in Recitation:
   
   • The Prophet ﷺ instructed:
     "Do not raise your voices over each other in recitation."
     [Muwatta Malik, Sunan Abi Dawood: 1332]

Conclusion​

I’tikaf is a spiritual retreat in the mosque that offers immense rewards, especially during Ramadan. It allows Muslims to detach from worldly distractions and devote themselves entirely to the worship and remembrance of Allah. By following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, one can maximize the benefits of I’tikaf and seek closeness to Allah, particularly during the blessed nights of Laylat al-Qadr.