Question:
Is I'tikaf (spiritual retreat) a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasized Sunnah) in Ramadan? What are the conditions for I'tikaf outside of Ramadan?
Answer:
I'tikaf is a Sunnah in Ramadan. The Prophet ﷺ performed I'tikaf during his blessed life, and after him, his wives also observed it. The scholars have unanimously agreed on its legislative status as a Sunnah.
However, I'tikaf must be performed in the manner for which it was prescribed, which is:
- A person should remain in the mosque, dedicating himself to obedience to Allah.
- He should detach from worldly affairs and engage in acts of worship, such as prayer, remembrance of Allah (dhikr), and recitation of the Quran.
- The Prophet ﷺ performed I'tikaf in search of Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree).
- The Muatakif (one observing I'tikaf) should avoid worldly engagements, thus:
- He should not engage in buying and selling.
- He should not leave the mosque, except for essential needs.
- He should not attend funerals or visit the sick.
Some people allow visitors frequently during I'tikaf, engaging in worldly conversations and even forbidden discussions, which contradicts the purpose of I'tikaf.
However, if a family member visits and has a brief conversation, there is no harm in it, as it is proven that Safiyyah (رضي الله عنها) visited the Prophet ﷺ during his I'tikaf, and he spoke to her for a while.
The most important aspect is that a person performs I'tikaf sincerely to seek closeness to Allah.
Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (رحمه الله)