❀ A Caution Against Denying the Use of Curtains During I‘tikaf ❀
Written by: Qari Usama bin Abd al-Salam (Hafizahullah)
✿ Introduction
Those who oppose or reject the permissibility of setting up curtains for i‘tikaf in the mosque are advised to reflect on the following principles and evidences. These references from the Qur’an, Hadith, and the consensus of the Companions clarify the proper understanding of this issue and guide one toward the correct position in Islamic practice.
➊ Evidence from the Qur’an
Allah ﷻ says:
﴿وَمَا كَانَ لِمُؤْمِنٍ وَلَا مُؤْمِنَةٍ إِذَا قَضَى اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَمْرًا أَن يَكُونَ لَهُمُ الْخِيَرَةُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِمْ ۚ وَمَن يَعْصِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلَالًا مُّبِينًا﴾
(Surah al-Ahzab: 36)
Translation: "It is not for a believing man or woman—when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter—to have any other choice in that matter. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly strayed into clear misguidance."
Rejecting what is authentically established from the practice of the Prophet ﷺ is a form of disobedience to Allah and His Messenger. This verse makes it clear that contradicting the command of the Messenger ﷺ is not befitting for a believer.
➋ Evidence from the Hadith
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"من رغب عن سنتي فليس مني"
(Bukhari: 5063, Muslim: 1401)
Translation: “Whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not from me.”
When the Prophet ﷺ himself erected a curtain (tent) during i‘tikaf, and the Mothers of the Believers (RA) followed the same practice, then opposing this act is equivalent to turning away from the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
➌ Consensus of the Companions
Sayyidah A’ishah, Sayyidah Hafsah, and Sayyidah Zaynab (RA) all observed i‘tikaf by setting up curtains within the mosque.
(Bukhari: 2033)
The Prophet ﷺ did not object to their practice. In fact, he also erected a curtain for himself. This proves that this practice is not only permissible but also part of the Sunnah. Therefore, rejecting it implies opposition to the consensus (ijma‘) of the noble Companions and the Mothers of the Believers.
➍ Warning and Consequences
Allah ﷻ warns in the Qur’an:
﴿فَلْيَحْذَرِ الَّذِينَ يُخَالِفُونَ عَنْ أَمْرِهِ أَنْ تُصِيبَهُمْ فِتْنَةٌ أَوْ يُصِيبَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ﴾
(Surah al-Nur: 63)
Translation: “Let those who oppose his command beware, lest a trial afflict them or a painful punishment befall them.”
Those who oppose religious practices without knowledge may become deserving of divine trials and severe punishment. Disregarding established Sunnah out of personal opinion is dangerous and a cause of spiritual downfall.
➎ Conclusion
Declaring the use of curtains during i‘tikaf as unnecessary or a bid‘ah (innovation) is incorrect. This act is established from the practice of the Prophet ﷺ and the noble wives of the Prophet ﷺ. Opposing it can lead to misguidance and trials. Rejecting a Shar‘i practice without evidence is a form of disobedience to Allah and His Messenger, for which stern warnings have been mentioned in the Qur’an.
✦ In conclusion:
Erecting curtains during i‘tikaf is proven from the Sunnah and the practice of the righteous companions. Denying it constitutes a clear departure from established Islamic teachings and invites severe consequences.
