Question:
Is I'tikaf an act of worship?
Answer:
Yes, I'tikaf is unanimously considered an act of worship.
Question:
What is a person who performs I'tikaf called?
Answer:
Mu'takif or 'Aakif.
Question:
What is the virtue of I'tikaf?
Answer:
It is sufficient to know the virtue of I'tikaf that it is the blessed practice of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He used to observe it regularly, and the Companions also performed I'tikaf with great enthusiasm. The righteous of every era have followed this practice. However, all the narrations regarding the specific virtue of I'tikaf are weak.
❀ Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates:
ما زال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يعتكف العشر الأواخر من رمضان حتى قبضه الله تعالى
"The Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to observe I'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah loved him."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 2026, Sahih Muslim: 1172)
If a person, in the last ten days of Ramadan, abandons the world and its people and turns towards the mosque, staying there for ten days, spending time in obedience to Allah, fulfilling obligatory and recommended acts, then surely he will receive abundant reward. I'tikaf is a practice that requires determination.
Question:
What is the ruling on I'tikaf?
Answer:
I'tikaf is unanimously agreed upon as Sunnah and mustahabb, however, if someone has vowed to perform I'tikaf, then fulfilling that vow is obligatory.
❀ Allama Abu Abdullah Al-Qurtubi, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
أجمع العلماء على أنه ليس بواجب وهو قربة من القرب ونافلة من النوافل عمل بها رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم وأصحابه وأزواجه
“The consensus of the jurists is that I'tikaf is not obligatory; it is a means of drawing closer to Allah and a voluntary act of worship. The practice of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, the Companions, and the pure wives confirms this.”
Reference: (Tafsir Al-Qurtubi: 2/333)
❀ He also says:
أجمع العلماء على أن الاعتكاف ليس بواجب وأنه سنة
“The consensus of the scholars is that I'tikaf is not obligatory, it is Sunnah.”
Reference: (Tafsir Al-Qurtubi: 2/335)
Question:
What is the Sunnah I'tikaf?
Answer:
The Sunnah I'tikaf is the last ten days of Ramadan. One or two days of I'tikaf is not Sunnah, however, if one has vowed to perform I'tikaf for one or two days, then it is necessary to complete it. The rest of the Sunnah and mustahabb I'tikaf is in the last ten days of Ramadan. And Allah knows best!
Question:
What are the conditions of I'tikaf?
Answer:
➊ Intention. Scholars agree that intention is a condition for I'tikaf.
➋ Mosque. ➌ Being Muslim. ➍ Being sane.
Question:
Are the Rawafid proponents of I'tikaf?
Answer:
The Rafidah consider it permissible to observe I'tikaf in a mosque where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ or his Imams have led the Friday prayer.
Question:
Is sitting in the mosque during I'tikaf an essential pillar of I'tikaf?
Answer:
Yes.
Question:
Is I'tikaf only valid in a mosque?
Answer:
I'tikaf for men and women is only valid in a mosque; there is no evidence in the Book and Sunnah for I'tikaf at home, nor was it practiced by the Salaf.
❀ Allah Almighty says:
وَأَنتُمْ عَاكِفُونَ فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ
"You are observing I'tikaf in the mosque."
Reference: (Al-Baqarah: 187)
❀ Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him
Reference: (728 AH)
, states:الاعتكاف من العبادات المشروعة بالمساجد باتفاق الأئمة
"The consensus of the scholars is that I'tikaf is among those acts of worship that are legislated to be performed in mosques."
Reference: (Iqtidā’ al-Ṣirāṭ al-Mustaqīm: 2/356)
Question:
Is it necessary for Friday prayer to be held in the mosque for I'tikaf?
Answer:
No.
Question:
If one is observing I'tikaf in Masjid al-Haram, can they perform Umrah?
Answer:
No, they cannot.
Question:
What invalidates I'tikaf?
Answer:
Sexual intercourse. It is agreed upon that I'tikaf is invalidated by intercourse.
Leaving the mosque without necessity. Menstruation and postnatal bleeding. Apostasy.
Question:
If one becomes janabah (in a state of major ritual impurity), does the I'tikaf remain valid?
Answer:
Yes, it remains valid.
Question:
Can one perform the ghusl of janabah during I'tikaf?
Answer:
Yes, it is a physical and Shariah necessity.
Question:
Can the funeral prayer be performed in the mosque?
Answer:
Yes, it can be performed.
Question:
Can women perform I'tikaf in the madrasa building?
Answer:
No. I'tikaf is specifically associated with the mosque.
Question:
Can a woman apply perfume during I'tikaf?
Answer:
Yes, she can apply it.
Question:
Is it permissible to meet the person performing I'tikaf?
Answer:
It is permissible.
Question:
Can the person performing I'tikaf buy and sell in the mosque?
Answer:
No, he cannot.
Question:
Can the person performing I'tikaf call the Adhan?
Answer:
He can call it.
Question:
If there is no one to bring Sehri and Iftar from home for the person performing I'tikaf, can he go and bring it himself?
Answer:
In that case, he can bring it himself.
Question:
If a woman is in her 'Iddah, can she perform I'tikaf?
Answer:
No.
Question:
If the person performing I'tikaf climbs onto the mosque roof, does the I'tikaf remain valid?
Answer:
Yes, it remains valid.
Question:
Can the person performing I'tikaf attend a preacher's gathering in the mosque?
Answer:
Yes, he can attend.
Question:
Can one go to another mosque to deliver a sermon or lead Friday prayer?
Answer:
No, one cannot.
Question:
Is it necessary to set up a tent for I'tikaf?
Answer:
It is not necessary; it is a recommended Sunnah.
Question:
Some people enter the mosque after reciting "Niyyat Sunnat al-I'tikaf," what is the ruling on this?
Answer:
This is an innovation (Bid'ah).
Question:
Can the person observing I'tikaf conduct a marriage ceremony in the mosque?
Answer:
Yes, he can.
Question:
Can one observe I'tikaf for the entire month of Ramadan?
Answer:
Yes, one can; there is consensus on this.
Question:
Does lying and backbiting invalidate I'tikaf?
Answer:
No, it does not.
Question:
Is fasting a condition for I'tikaf?
Answer:
I'tikaf is a separate act of worship and fasting is separate. A person who cannot fast due to illness or old age can perform I'tikaf. Similarly, if a person performing I'tikaf falls ill during it and breaks the fast, their I'tikaf remains valid because fasting is not a condition for the validity of I'tikaf.
Sayyiduna Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:
إنه قال يا رسول الله إني نذرت في الجاهلية أن أعتكف ليلة في المسجد الحرام فقال له أوف بنذرك
"They asked: O Messenger of Allah! In the time of ignorance, I vowed to perform I'tikaf for one night in Masjid al-Haram. The Prophet (peace be upon him) told them: Fulfill your vow."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 6697, Sahih Muslim: 1656, Al-Muntaqa li Ibn al-Jarood: 941)
Hafiz Khattabi (may Allah have mercy on him)
Reference: (388 AH)
states:فيه دليل على أن الاعتكاف جائز لغير الصوم
"This hadith is evidence that I'tikaf is permissible even without fasting."
Reference: (A'lam al-Hadith: 2/990)
❀ Hafiz Ibn al-Jawzi (may Allah have mercy on him)
Reference: (597 AH)
says:في هذا الحديث دليل على أن الاعتكاف يصح بلا صوم
"This hadith is proof that I'tikaf is valid even without fasting."
Reference: (Kashf al-Mushkil: 1/54)
❀ Abu Suhail Nafi' ibn Malik (may Allah have mercy on him) narrates:
كان على امرأتي اعتكاف ثلاثة أيام في المسجد الحرام فسألت عمر بن عبد العزيز وعنده ابن شهاب قال قلت عليها صيام قال ابن شهاب لا يكون اعتكاف إلا بصيام فقال له عمر بن عبد العزيز أعن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال لا قال فعن أبي بكر قال لا قال فعن عمر قال لا قال فعن عثمان قال لا قال عمر ما أرى عليها صياما فخرجت فوجدت طاوسا وعطاء بن أبي رباح فسألتهما فقال طاوس كان ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما لا يرى عليها صياما إلا أن تجعله على نفسها قال وقال عطاء ذلك رأيي
"My wife vowed to perform I'tikaf for three days in Masjid al-Haram. I asked Imam Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz (may Allah have mercy on him), where Imam Ibn Shihab al-Zuhri (may Allah have mercy on him) was also present. I asked: Is it necessary for my wife to fast along with I'tikaf? Imam Ibn Shihab al-Zuhri said: There is no I'tikaf without fasting. Then Imam Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz asked al-Zuhri: Do you have any hadith from the Prophet (peace be upon him) regarding this? Al-Zuhri said: No. He asked: Is there any practice from Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him)? He said: No. He asked: Is there any practice from Sayyiduna Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him)? He said: No. He asked: Is there any practice from Sayyiduna Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him)? He said: No. Then Imam Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz said: My opinion is that fasting is not obligatory on her. (Abu Suhail Nafi' ibn Malik says
When I left, I met Imam Tawus ibn Kaysan and Imam Ata ibn Abi Rabah (may Allah have mercy on them). I asked both the same question. Imam Tawus said that according to Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them), fasting is not obligatory on such a woman unless she has also vowed to fast along with I'tikaf. Ata ibn Abi Rabah said that this is also his opinion."
Reference: (Sunan al-Darimi: 164, and its chain is authentic)
Warning:
It is narrated from Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her):
لا اعتكاف إلا بصيام
"There is no I'tikaf without fasting."
Reference: (Sunan ad-Daraqutni: 2356, Al-Mustadrak al-Hakim: 1605, As-Sunan al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi: 4/521)
Benefit:
The chain of narration is very weak.
➊ Suwayd ibn Abdul Aziz is weak.
➋ The narration from Sufyan ibn Husayn through Az-Zuhri is weak.
➌ Az-Zuhri's transmission is 'Ananah' (repetitive).
Hafiz Sakhawi (may Allah have mercy on him) called its chain "weak."
Reference: (Al-Ajwibah al-Mardiyyah: 3/1085)
This narration, even when stopped at Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), is weak.
Benefit:
Question:
Can I'tikaf be performed in every mosque?
Answer:
I'tikaf is specifically associated with the mosque; both men and women will perform i'tikaf in the mosque, and i'tikaf can be done in any mosque.
➊ Allah Almighty says:
وَأَنتُمْ عَاكِفُونَ فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ
"You are observing i'tikaf in the mosque."
Reference: (2-Al-Baqarah:187)
❀ Imam Malik bin Anas, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
عم الله المساجد كلها ولم يخص شيئا منها
"Allah Almighty has included all mosques; He has not specified any particular mosque."
Reference: (Muwatta Imam Malik: 1/313)
❀ Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, citing this verse, says:
الاعتكاف في المساجد كلها
"(The statement) applies to all mosques regarding i'tikaf."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari, before Hadith: 2025)
❀ Imam Ibn Mundhir, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
الاعتكاف جائز في جميع المساجد على ظاهر الآية
"From the apparent meaning of the verse, it is understood that i'tikaf is permissible in all mosques."
Reference: (Al-Ishraf 'ala Madhahib al-Ulama: 3/160)
❀ Allama Ibn Juzayy, may Allah have mercy on him
Reference: (741 AH)
, says:دليل على جواز الاعتكاف في كل مسجد خلافا لمن قال لا اعتكاف إلا في المسجد الحرام ومسجد المدينة وبيت المقدس
"This verse is evidence that i'tikaf is permissible in every mosque; contrary to this, some say that i'tikaf can only be done in Masjid al-Haram, Masjid al-Nabawi, and Al-Aqsa Mosque."
Reference: (Tafsir Ibn Juzayy: 1/112)
➋ Sayyiduna Jabir bin Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with them both, narrates that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
جعلت لي الأرض مسجدا وطهورا
"The earth has been made for me a mosque and a means of purification."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 335, Sahih Muslim: 521)
❀ Based on this hadith, Allama Ibn Hazm, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
بمعنى أنه تجوز الصلاة فيه وإلا فقد جاء النص والإجماع بأن البول والغائط جائز فيما عدا المسجد فصح أنه ليس لما عدا المسجد حكم المسجد ... فصح أن لا اعتكاف إلا في مسجد
"The meaning of this hadith is that prayer is permissible throughout the earth; otherwise, it is established by text and consensus that urination and defecation are permissible everywhere except in the mosque. Therefore, it is correct that places other than the mosque do not have the ruling of a mosque, and it is also correct that i'tikaf is not permissible outside the mosque."
Reference: (Al-Muhalla bil Athar: 3/428)
➌ Imam Zahri, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
لا اعتكاف إلا في مسجد جماعة يجمع فيه
"I'tikaf can only be done in a mosque where congregational prayer is organized."
Reference: (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 3/90, and its chain is authentic)
➍, ➎ Imam Hakim bin Utaybah and Imam Hammad bin Abi Sulayman, may Allah have mercy on them, say:
لا يعتكف إلا في مسجد يجمعون فيه
"I'tikaf can only be done in a mosque where people perform congregational prayer."
Reference: (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 3/91, and its chain is authentic)
➏ Imam Abu Ja'far Baqir, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
لا اعتكاف إلا في مسجد يجمع فيه
"I'tikaf is only permissible in a mosque where congregational prayer is organized."
Reference: (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 3/91, and its chain is authentic)
➐ Imam Urwah bin Zubair, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
لا اعتكاف إلا في مسجد جماعة
"I'tikaf is correct in a mosque where congregational prayer takes place."
Reference: (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 3/91, and its chain is authentic)
➑ Ayub Sakhtiyani, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
إن أبا قلابة اعتكف في مسجد قومه
"Imam Abu Qulabah, may Allah have mercy on him, performed i'tikaf in the mosque of his area."
Reference: (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 3/89, and its chain is authentic)
➒ Imam Ibrahim Nakha'i, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
لا بأس بالاعتكاف في مساجد القبائل
"There is no harm in performing i'tikaf in the mosques of tribes."
Reference: (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 3/90, and its chain is authentic)
➓ Imam Malik bin Anas, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
الأمر عندنا الذي لا اختلاف فيه أنه لا يكره الاعتكاف في كل مسجد يجمع فيه
"It is our agreed issue that it is not disliked to perform i'tikaf in a mosque where Friday prayer is held."
Reference: (Muwatta Imam Malik: 1/313)
⓫ Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
الاعتكاف في كل مسجد تقام فيه الصلاة
"I'tikaf is permissible in every mosque where congregational prayer is established."
Reference: (Masa'il Umm Hani: 679)
Benefit:
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Masood رضي الله عنه:
لا اعتكاف إلا في مسجد جماعة
"I'tikaf is valid in that mosque in which congregational prayer is held."
Reference: (Al-Mu'jam Al-Kabeer by Al-Tabarani: 9/301)
The chain is weak.
➊ It is the transmission of Mughira bin Muqsim Dhabbi.
➋ Ibrahim Al-Nakha'i is a fabricator; he did not specify the hearing.
➌ Ibrahim Al-Nakha'i does not have a hearing from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Masood رضي الله عنه.
Warning:
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Hudhaifah bin Yamaan رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:
لا اعتكاف إلا في المساجد الثلاثة المسجد الحرام ومسجد النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ومسجد بيت المقدس
"I'tikaf is only permissible in three mosques; Masjid al-Haram, Masjid an-Nabawi, and Masjid al-Aqsa (Bait al-Maqdis)."
Reference: (Sharh Mushkil al-Athar: 7/201, Hadith: 2771, Al-Sunan al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi: 4/519)
Its chain of narration is weak, fabricated, and inconsistent; Sufyan bin 'Uyaynah is a mudallis (one who conceals defects in the chain), and the hearing is not specified.
Imam Abu Hatim al-Razi رحمه الله considered the 'an'anah (continuous narration) of Sufyan bin 'Uyaynah to be harmful.
Reference: (Ilal Ibn Abi Hatim: 1/488)
Sufyan bin 'Uyaynah رحمه الله even practiced tadlis from weak narrators.
Reference: (Al-Mustadrak by Al-Hakim, under number: 3985)
Hafiz Ibn Hazm رحمه الله denied the authenticity of this narration.
Reference: (Al-Muhalla: 5/195)
Therefore, it does not seem correct for Hafiz Al-Dhahabi رحمه الله
Reference: (Siyar A'lam al-Nubala: 15/81)
to consider it authentic.None of the earlier scholars among the predecessors acted upon this narration. Rather, all Muslims appear to be unanimous that I'tikaf can be performed in any mosque.
➊ The statement of Sayyiduna Khuzaymah رضي الله عنه
Reference: (Musannaf Abd al-Razzaq: 8014)
is weak due to the 'an'anah of Abd al-Razzaq bin Hammam and Sufyan al-Thawri. Also, the second statement
Reference: (Musannaf Abd al-Razzaq: 8061)
is weak due to the 'an'anah of Abd al-Razzaq and Sufyan bin 'Uyaynah.➋ In the statement of Sa'id bin Musayyib
Reference: (Ibn Abi Shaybah: 3/90)
, Qatadah is a mudallis.➌ The statement of 'Ata bin Abi Rabah
Reference: (Musannaf Abd al-Razzaq: 8019)
is weak due to the 'an'anah of Abd al-Razzaq.Question:
Can a menstruating woman observe I'tikaf in the mosque?
Answer:
A menstruating woman cannot even enter the mosque, so how can she observe I'tikaf? If she starts menstruating during I'tikaf, her I'tikaf will be broken, and she must immediately leave the mosque.
❀ Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates:
إن كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ليدخل علي رأسه وهو في المسجد فأرجله وكان لا يدخل البيت إلا لحاجة إذا كان معتكفا
"The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) would enter the mosque (while observing I'tikaf) and place his blessed head towards me (in the chamber), and I would comb it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would not come home from I'tikaf without necessity."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 2029, Sahih Muslim: 297)
This hadith is evidence that a menstruating woman cannot observe I'tikaf. If it were permissible for a menstruating woman to enter the mosque, then why would Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) not enter the mosque and instead have to comb the Prophet (peace be upon him) from outside?
❀ Allama Ibn Battal (may Allah have mercy on him)
Reference: (449 AH)
states:العلماء مجمعون أن الحائض لا يجوز لها دخول المسجد ولا الاعتكاف فيه
"There is consensus among the scholars that it is not permissible for a menstruating woman to enter the mosque or to observe I'tikaf in the mosque."
Reference: (Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari: 1/437)
Question:
Can a woman observe I'tikaf at home?
Answer:
The place of I'tikaf is the mosque. I'tikaf is not valid at home.
Question:
What is the ruling on breaking I'tikaf?
Answer:
I'tikaf is recommended and permissible; it should not be broken without a valid excuse. If someone breaks it, they are not sinful, and making up (Qadha) is not obligatory.
Question:
Can the person observing I'tikaf examine a patient in the mosque and write a prescription?
Answer:
There is no objection to doing so as needed.
Question:
How is it to take a bath in the bathroom for cooling during I'tikaf?
Answer:
It is permissible.
Question:
Can the person observing I'tikaf sit in a corner of the mosque courtyard?
Answer:
He can sit wherever he wishes.
Question:
Can the person observing I'tikaf sleep outside his tent?
Answer:
He can sleep.
Question:
If I'tikaf is ended before completion, is making up (Qadha) obligatory?
Answer:
I'tikaf is Sunnah; its making up (qadha) is recommended, not obligatory.
❀ Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates:
كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يعتكف في العشر الأواخر من رمضان فكنت أضرب له خباء فيصلي الصبح ثم يدخله فاستأذنت حفصة عائشة أن تضرب خباء فأذنت لها فضربت خباء فلما رأته زينب ابنة جحش ضربت خباء آخر فلما أصبح النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم رأى الأخبية فقال ما هذا فأخبر فقال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ألبر ترون بهن فترك الاعتكاف ذلك الشهر ثم اعتكف عشرا من شوال
"The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to observe I'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan. I used to set up his tent, and he would enter it after Fajr. Once, Sayyida Hafsa (may Allah be pleased with her) asked me for permission to set up the tent; I allowed her, so she set up the tent. Sayyida Zainab bint Jahsh (may Allah be pleased with her) saw it and also set up a tent. In the morning, when the Prophet (peace be upon him) saw so many tents, he asked: 'What is this?' When it was explained to him, he said: 'Do you consider this a good deed?' Then he abandoned the I'tikaf of that month and observed I'tikaf for ten days in Shawwal."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 2033)
❀ Hafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him)
Reference: (852 AH)
states:دليل على أن النوافل المعتادة إذا فاتت تقضى استحبابا واستدل به المالكية على وجوب قضاء العمل لمن شرع فيه ثم أبطله ولا دلالة فيه
"This hadith is evidence that if voluntary acts are missed, making them up is recommended. The Malikis have used this to argue that if an act is started but not completed, making it up is obligatory, although this reasoning is not correct."
Reference: (Fath al-Bari: 4/277)
It is not established from the Pure Wives that they prescribed making up I'tikaf.
Question:
How is it for a person observing I'tikaf to go outside the mosque for a cooling bath (ghusl e tabreed)?
Answer:
It is not appropriate.
Question:
If a person observing I'tikaf smokes cigarettes inside the mosque, does his I'tikaf remain valid?
Answer:
Although smoking cigarettes is forbidden, it will not break the I'tikaf.
Question:
What is the ruling on observing I'tikaf in a place that has been made part of the mosque by illegal occupation?
Answer:
Making a mosque by illegal occupation is forbidden and unlawful, but praying, observing I'tikaf, or performing any good deed in that place will be valid.
Question:
What is the ruling if a person observing I'tikaf leaves the mosque due to the need for employment?
Answer:
The I'tikaf will not remain valid.
Question:
If a person observes I'tikaf for three or five days instead of the full ten days, will he receive the reward of the Sunnah of I'tikaf?
Answer:
I'tikaf can be for even one day, but the Sunnah I'tikaf in Ramadan is for the last complete ten days. It is not established from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or the Companions that they performed I'tikaf for three, five, or seven days in the last ten days. Therefore, those who perform I'tikaf for three or five days will receive reward, but they will not receive the reward of the Sunnah I'tikaf of the ten days of Ramadan. And Allah knows best!
Question:
Is it a sin to leave I'tikaf without a valid excuse?
Answer:
I'tikaf is a Sunnah Mu'akkadah (emphasized Sunnah), not obligatory, so there is no blame for leaving it.
Question:
When should the one performing I'tikaf enter the tent?
Answer:
It is Sunnah for the one performing I'tikaf to come to the mosque with the intention of I'tikaf before the Iftar of the 20th of Ramadan, set up the tent, worship in the mosque throughout the night without entering the tent, and then enter the tent after Fajr prayer.
Reference: (Bukhari: 2018, Muslim: 1197)
On the morning of the 21st day, one can also remain in I'tikaf after Fajr prayer.
Question:
In some areas, there are many snakes; can the one performing I'tikaf sleep on a cot there?
Answer:
In such a situation, the one observing I'tikaf may use a cot for sleeping.
Question:
Can a teacher teach children in the mosque during the state of I'tikaf?
Answer:
He can.
Question:
How is it for the one observing I'tikaf to go to the mosque's veranda?
Answer:
It is permissible.
Question:
Can I'tikaf be less than ten days?
Answer:
The Sunnah is to observe I'tikaf for ten days. However, one who observes I'tikaf for less than that will not be deprived of reward.
Question:
Can a person leave the mosque of his own locality and observe I'tikaf in a mosque of another area?
Answer:
He can, but it is better to observe I'tikaf in the mosque of his own neighborhood.
Question:
How is it to go to another mosque to listen to the Quran during I'tikaf?
Answer:
It is not permissible; doing so will end the I'tikaf.
Question:
How is it to do post office work during I'tikaf?
Answer:
It is not permissible. The purpose of I'tikaf is to disconnect from worldly affairs and spend one's time in divine worship.
Question:
If someone breaks his I'tikaf due to illness, what is the ruling?
Answer:
For this, making up a ten-day I'tikaf is recommended, not obligatory.
Question:
Does I'tikaf break due to unconsciousness?
Answer:
No, it does not break.
Question:
What is the ruling on meeting with one's wife during I'tikaf?
Answer:
If possible, one may meet with his wife during I'tikaf, however, intercourse during I'tikaf is not permissible.
❀ Allah Almighty says:
وَلَا تُبَاشِرُوهُنَّ وَأَنتُمْ عَاكِفُونَ فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ ۗ تِلْكَ حُدُودُ اللَّهِ فَلَا تَقْرَبُوهَا ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ آيَاتِهِ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ ﴿١٨٧﴾
"When you are in I'tikaf in the mosques, do not have intercourse with your wives. These are the limits set by Allah, so do not approach them. Allah explains His signs in detail to the people so that they may become righteous."
Reference: (2-Al-Baqarah:187)
❀ Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates:
"The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) would rest his head near me in the mosque during I'tikaf. I used to be in my chamber, and I would wash and comb his hair, even though I was menstruating."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 295, Sahih Muslim: 297/9)
❀ Sayyida Safiyya bint Huyay (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates:
إنها جاءت إلى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم تزوره في اعتكافه في المسجد في العشر الأواخر من رمضان فتحدثت عنده ساعة ثم قامت تنقلب فقام النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم معها يقلبها حتى إذا بلغت باب المسجد عند باب أم سلمة مر رجلان من الأنصار فسلما على رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال لهما النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم على رسلكما إنما هي صفية بنت حيي فقالا سبحان الله يا رسول الله وكبر عليهما فقال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم إن الشيطان يبلغ من الإنسان مبلغ الدم وإني خشيت أن يقذف في قلوبكما شيئا
"I went to see the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) while he was observing I'tikaf in the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan. I spent some time talking with him, then got up to leave. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stood with me and came to see me off. When I reached the mosque door near Umm Salama's (may Allah be pleased with her) door, two Ansari men were passing by. They greeted the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), and he said to them: 'Wait, this is Safiyya bint Huyay.' They said: 'SubhanAllah! O Messenger of Allah!' The Prophet (peace be upon him) was very displeased by their words, so he said: 'Satan circulates in a person as blood circulates, and I fear that he might put something in your heart.'"
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 2035, Sahih Muslim: 2175)
❀ Allama Qurtubi (may Allah have mercy on him)
Reference: (671 AH)
states:أجمع أهل العلم على أن من جامع امرأته وهو معتكف عامدا لذلك في فرجها أنه مفسد لاعتكافه
"There is a consensus among the scholars that whoever deliberately has intercourse with his wife during I'tikaf, his I'tikaf will become invalid."
Reference: (Tafsir al-Qurtubi: 2/332)
Question:
Is it permissible for a person observing I'tikaf to get a haircut in the mosque?
Answer:
It is permissible, provided that the cleanliness of the mosque is maintained.
Question:
Can a minor child observe I'tikaf?
Answer:
I'tikaf is a voluntary act of worship; both adults and minors can observe it. However, if for administrative reasons minors are prohibited, then it is correct to do so.
Question:
If a woman starts menstruating during I'tikaf, what is the ruling?
Answer:
If menstruation begins during I'tikaf, the I'tikaf becomes invalid. The menstruating woman should immediately leave the mosque. She is not required to make up (qadha) the I'tikaf because I'tikaf is a voluntary act of worship, and making up voluntary acts is not obligatory.
Question:
What is the ruling if a person observing I'tikaf leaves the mosque unnecessarily for work?
Answer:
His I'tikaf becomes invalid because one may leave the mosque only for extremely necessary matters.
Question:
What is the ruling on smoking cigarettes during I'tikaf?
Answer:
Smoking cigarettes during I'tikaf is sinful, but it does not invalidate the I'tikaf.
Question:
Is making up (qadha) obligatory if I'tikaf is broken?
Answer:
I'tikaf is a voluntary act of worship; its making up (qadha) is recommended, not obligatory. Some say that if a voluntary act is started and then abandoned, its making up becomes obligatory, whereas the majority of scholars hold the view that once a voluntary act is started, it remains voluntary until completion and does not become obligatory, except in the case of voluntary Hajj and Umrah.
Question:
A woman is in I'tikaf, and her husband passes away. What should she do now?
Answer:
The woman will enter the waiting period ('iddah). If she wishes, she can continue the I'tikaf and after completing it, return home to complete the remaining 'iddah. Otherwise, she should break the I'tikaf and return home to observe the 'iddah. Making up the I'tikaf is not obligatory in this case. The same ruling applies to the 'iddah of divorce.
Question:
Can a woman perform I'tikaf without her husband's permission?
Answer:
If a woman wants to perform I'tikaf, she should seek permission from her husband; she should not go to the mosque for I'tikaf without permission.
❀ Allama Ibn al-Attar, may Allah have mercy on him,
Reference: (724 AH)
says:إن كانت مزوجة فلا يجوز إلا بإذن الزوج وهذا لا خلاف فيه بين العلماء
"If a woman is married, it is not permissible for her to perform I'tikaf without her husband's permission; there is no difference of opinion among the scholars on this."
Reference: (Al-'Iddah fi Sharh al-'Umdah: 2/927)
Question:
Can a woman experiencing istihadah perform I'tikaf in the mosque?
Answer:
Istihaza is a condition, it is not menstruation. The ruling for a woman with istihaza is like that of a pure woman; therefore, a woman with istihaza can observe i'tikaf in the mosque.
❀ Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates:
اعتكفت مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم امرأة من أزواجه مستحاضة فكانت ترى الحمرة والصفرة فربما وضعنا الطست تحتها وهي تصلي
"A wife of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, Sayyida Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her), observed i'tikaf while she was in istihaza, with red and yellow blood flowing. Sometimes we would place a basin beneath her, and she would pray."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 2037)
❀ Allama Ibn Battal (may Allah have mercy on him)
Reference: (449 AH)
states:حكم المستحاضة كحكم الطاهر ولا خلاف بين العلماء في جواز اعتكافها
"The ruling for a woman with istihaza is like that of a pure woman. There is no disagreement among the scholars regarding the permissibility of i'tikaf for a woman with istihaza."
Reference: (Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari: 4/174)
❀ Hafiz Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him)
Reference: (676 AH)
states:أما الصلاة والصيام والاعتكاف وقراءة القرآن ومس المصحف وحمله وسجود التلاوة وسجود الشكر ووجوب العبادات عليها فهي في كل ذلك كالطاهرة وهذا مجمع عليه
"In prayer, fasting, i'tikaf, recitation of the Qur'an, touching and holding the Mushaf, prostration of recitation, prostration of gratitude, and obligatory acts of worship, the ruling for a woman with istihaza is like that of a pure woman; there is consensus on this."
Reference: (Sharh Muslim: 4/17)
❀ Allama Ibn al-Attar (may Allah have mercy on him)
Reference: (724 AH)
also transmitted consensus on this matter.
Reference: (Al-'Iddah fi Sharh al-'Umda: 1/264)
Question:
Can a person who cannot fast due to illness or old age perform I'tikaf?
Answer:
I'tikaf is a separate act of worship and fasting is separate. Fasting is not a condition for I'tikaf. If someone cannot fast due to a legitimate Islamic excuse and wishes to perform I'tikaf, it is permissible for them to do so. Fasting is not a condition for the validity of I'tikaf.
Question:
If one has intercourse with his wife during I'tikaf, what is the ruling?
Answer:
Intercourse with one's wife during I'tikaf is forbidden. Whoever knowingly has intercourse with his wife during I'tikaf, his I'tikaf becomes invalid.
❀ The command of Allah Almighty is:
وَلَا تُبَاشِرُوهُنَّ وَأَنتُمْ عَاكِفُونَ فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ ۗ تِلْكَ حُدُودُ اللَّهِ فَلَا تَقْرَبُوهَا ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ آيَاتِهِ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ ﴿١٨٧﴾
"When you are in I'tikaf in the mosques, do not have intercourse with your wives. That is Allah's limit; so do not approach them. Thus Allah makes clear His verses to the people that they may become righteous."
Reference: (2-Al-Baqarah:187)
❀ Allama Qurtubi (may Allah have mercy on him)
Reference: (671 AH)
states:أجمع أهل العلم على أن من جامع امرأته وهو معتكف عامدا لذلك في فرجها أنه مفسد لاعتكافه
"There is consensus among the scholars that whoever deliberately has intercourse with his wife during I'tikaf, his I'tikaf becomes invalid."
Reference: (Tafsir al-Qurtubi: 2/332)
Question:
Is it permissible to make a vow for I'tikaf, and what is the ruling?
Answer:
It is permissible to make a vow for I'tikaf, and fulfilling it is obligatory.
❀ Sayyiduna Umar bin Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:
إنه قال يا رسول الله إني نذرت في الجاهلية أن أعتكف ليلة في المسجد الحرام فقال له أوف بنذرك
"He asked: O Messenger of Allah! I made a vow during the time of ignorance that I would perform I'tikaf for one night in the Masjid al-Haram. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to him: 'Fulfill your vow.'"
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 6697, Sahih Muslim: 1656, Al-Muntaqa li Ibn al-Jarood: 941)
Question:
Was I'tikaf prescribed in previous nations as well?
Answer:
I'tikaf is not exclusive to the Ummah of Muhammad but was also practiced during the era of Jahiliyyah; however, there may be differences in the issues of I'tikaf between the earlier nations and the Ummah of Muhammad.
❀ Sayyiduna Umar ibn Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:
إنه قال يا رسول الله إني نذرت في الجاهلية أن أعتكف ليلة في المسجد الحرام فقال له أوف بنذرك
"He asked: O Messenger of Allah! I had vowed during the era of Jahiliyyah to perform I'tikaf for one night in the Masjid al-Haram. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to him: 'Fulfill your vow.'"
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 6697, Sahih Muslim: 1656, Al-Muntaqa li Ibn al-Jarood: 941)
❀ Allama Abu al-Qasim Rafi'i (may Allah have mercy on him)
Reference: (623 AH)
states:فيه دليل على أنه كان لهم في الجاهلية اعتكاف
"This hadith is evidence that people also performed I'tikaf during the era of Jahiliyyah."
Reference: (Sharh Musnad al-Shafi'i: 2/79)
Question:
What actions should a person observing I'tikaf perform?
Answer:
Spend time in obedience, recite the Holy Quran abundantly, engage in voluntary prayers, remembrance, and supplication, seek Laylat al-Qadr, spend in the way of Allah, host other brothers for suhoor and iftar, avoid unnecessary sitting and talking, enjoin good, forbid evil, learn religious knowledge, and avoid excessive use of mobile phones.
Question:
When does I'tikaf end?
Answer:
When the moon of Shawwal is sighted.
Question:
After I'tikaf ends, the people observing I'tikaf are taken to wear garlands and flowers are thrown on them; what is the ruling on this?
Answer:
This practice is not correct and should be discouraged. Those whose I'tikaf has ended should calmly go home and thank Allah Almighty for granting them the ability to perform this good deed.
