I'tikaaf

Staying in the mosque for ten days spending time in worship, reading the Qur'an, positive thinking of Allah (S.W.T) and His creation, charges the sole, empowers our body and mind, and teaches us how to be self-disciplined.

To sit for I'tikaaf from the Asr Salah of 20th Ramadan until the Eid moon is sighted is Sunnat-e-Mu'akkidah Kefaye e.g. if only one person from the entire city or an area sits for I'tikaaf the rest will be relieved of their responsibility, though they will be deprived of its rewards, but will not be regarded as sinners of this particular Sunnah.

One must sit for I'tikaaf in such a Mosque wherein the Five Daily Prayers are offered. It is unlawful to leave the Mosque or its boundaries after having made the intention for I'tikaaf unless for relieving oneself or for religious necessities such as Ghusl, Wuzu etc.

While men perform It’ikaaf in the mosque, Females should perform It’ikaaf in the private prayer room (any one room of the house can be set aside for this purpose). I’tikaaf is in fact an easier task for women. The domestic duties can be performed by daughters or servants under her supervision.

Virtues of I’tikaaf

Itikaaf makes it easy to perform salah with full devotion because the mutakif (person in Itikaaf) breaks all ties with the outside world and is in a state of tranquillity, where he is free from everything that diverts him from Allah (S.W.T)’s remembrance. This leaves him to focus his mind solely towards Allah’s obedience and happiness.

One benefit of Itikaaf is that it makes a person accustomed to staying in the masjid for a long period and creates an attachment between him and the masjid. The Prophet (S.A.W) said: “From amongst the seven whom Allah will give shade to on the day when there will be no shade except His shade, will be that person whose heart was attached to the masjid.” (Sahih al Bukari)

The mutakif gains the reward of waiting for salah. The Prophet (S.A.W) said : “You will be regarded as performing salah while you are waiting for salah and the angels supplicate saying, “O Allah forgive him and have mercy on him as long as he does not leave his prayer place or break wind.”” (Sahih al Bukhari)

It becomes easy to perform the Tahajjud prayer. Normally, this is very difficult for a person because Satan tries hard to stop a person from offering this prayer and deprive him of its great reward.

Our Beloved Prophet (S.A.W) has said : “He who observes the ten days of I'tikaaf during Ramadaan will obtain the reward of two Hajj and two Umrah.” (Bayhaqi)