Assalaamu alaikum brothers and sisters in Islam. It is likely that you see some Muslims during the last ten nights of Ramadan leave behind their daily routines and completely isolate themselves in mosques to dedicate their time entirely to worship. What compels them to temporarily abandon their daily routines, families, and worldly responsibilities? The answer lies in an act of devotion known as Itikaf.
What is the meaning of Itikaf?
The term Itikaf (الاعتكاف) comes from the Arabic root عَكَفَ (ʿakafa), which means “to adhere to,” “to devote oneself to something,” or “to remain steadfast.” Linguistically, it conveys the idea of staying in a place with full dedication, and in an Islamic context, Itikaf refers to the act of isolating oneself in a mosque for a specific period solely for the worship of Allah.
According to Shariah, Itikaf is a voluntary or obligatory retreat performed in a mosque, where a Muslim withdraws from worldly affairs to focus entirely on worship, engaging in prayer (salah), Quran recitation, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and sincere supplications (du’a). It is an act of spiritual seclusion where one distances oneself from distractions to attain closeness to Allah.
It is the Sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and it holds massive spiritual significance, especially during the blessed month of Ramadan. It is a time of deep spiritual reflection, where a believer strengthens their connection with Allah, purifies his heart, and strives to attain taqwa (God-consciousness).
The Basis of Itikaf in the Quran
The practice of Itikaf is rooted in the Quran. Allah mentions it in several places, mentioning it as a form of sincere devotion. Allah says
“And We commanded Ibrahim and Ismail: Purify My House for those who perform Tawaf, and those who stay in Itikaf, and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer].” Surah Al-Baqarah (2:125):
“And do not have relations with your wives while you are in Itikaf in the mosques.” Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187):
The above verses establish that Itikaf is a worship that must be performed in a mosque in making sincere acts of worship for Allah.
The Basis of Itikaf in Hadith
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself regularly observed Itikaf, especially in the last ten nights of Ramadan, seeking Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree).
Aisha (رضي الله عنها) reported: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to observe Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until he passed away. Then his wives continued to observe Itikaf after him.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Ibn Umar (رضي الله عنه) narrated: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to observe Itikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
These Hadiths confirm that Itikaf is a highly recommended Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) and a means of attaining spiritual purification and nearness to Allah, especially in the month of Ramadan.
The Purpose and Spiritual Benefits of Itikaf
1. Disconnecting from distractions to focusing on Ibadah
One of the primary reasons Muslims observe Itikaf is to distance themselves from the distractions of daily life like social interactions, work, entertainment, and material concerns and instead, engage themselves in ibadah (worship). The person performing Itikaf is expected to perform the following:
- Performing Salah (prayers), including long night prayers (Tahajjud).
- Reciting and contemplating on the Quran.
- Engaging in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and Istighfar (seeking forgiveness).
- Making heartfelt Dua (supplications) for themselves and the Ummah.
This withdrawal from worldly affairs purifies the heart, increases Taqwa (God-consciousness), and strengthens the connection between the servant and their Creator.
2. Seeking Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree)
One of the greatest motivations for observing Itikaf in Ramadan is to seek Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree). It is a night that is “better than a thousand months” (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3).
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Seek Laylatul Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Aisha (رضي الله عنها) reported: “When the last ten nights of Ramadan began, the Prophet (ﷺ) would tighten his waist belt (i.e., exert himself in worship), stay up at night, and wake his family.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Since the exact night of Laylatul Qadr is unknown, the best way to ensure one attains its blessings is to remain in constant worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan, which is why the Prophet (ﷺ) made Itikaf a consistent practice throughout his life.
Reward of Laylatul Qadr
The reward of worship on Laylatul Qadr is massive because it is a night that is better than a thousand months.” (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3). This means that a single night of sincere worship is equal to over 83 years of continuous worship. This is a blessing that most of the people in Itikaf are surely to seize because they are always in worship throughout the time.
It is a night in which one will earn Allah’s forgiveness if one is able to stand for prayer in this night. Whoever engages in a lot of prayer, supplication, Qur’an recitation, and dhikr in this night, believing in it and its reported merit, seeking Allah’s reward by his deed, without show-off or pursuit of reputation among people, his previous sins will be forgiven.
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever performs Qiyām (night prayer) in the Night of Decree, out of faith and in pursuit of reward, his past sins will be forgiven. (Bukhari 35 & Muslim)
Different Types of Itikaf
In Islam, Itikaf is a versatile act of worship that can be performed in different ways, depending on the intention, and circumstances of the individual, and each with its own ruling and conditions. Understanding these categories helps believers observe Itikaf in a way that aligns with their spiritual goals and circumstances.
The scholars of Islam have categorized Itikaf into three main types: Sunnah Itikaf, Nafl Itikaf (Voluntary), and Wajib (Obligatory) Itikaf. Let’s explore each in detail.
1. Sunnah Itikaf
This is the most well-known and widely practiced type of Itikaf. It is observed during the last ten nights of Ramadan, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Aisha (رضي الله عنها) reported:
“The Prophet (ﷺ) used to perform Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until he passed away.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Key Features of Sunnah Itikaf:
- Must be observed in a masjid where congregational Jumuah prayers are held.
- Begins at Maghrib (sunset) on the 20th night of Ramadan and ends at Maghrib on Eid night (end of the 30th or 29th of Ramadan).
- Helps in obtaining Laylatul Qadr.
- Requires full dedication—one should limit unnecessary talk and worldly affairs.
Why is Sunnah Itikaf so special?
Since it falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan, it gives believers a greater chance of catching Laylatul Qadr—a night that is better than a thousand months (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3).
Ibn Uthaymeen (رحمه الله) said:
Itikaaf is to worship Allah by remaining in the masjid for the obedience of Allah. I ask Allah to give us and you a share [of reward] from this month and from Layltul Qadr a share and to use us in his obedience and protect us from disobedience. (Taken from Darussaaf p=1026)
2. Nafl (Voluntary) Itikaf
This type of Itikaf can be performed at any time of the year for any duration, even for a few hours! It does not require fasting or a specific length of stay. This flexibility makes it an excellent option for those who wish to engage in this spiritual practice outside of Ramadan.
Key Features of Nafl Itikaf:
- It can be observed for a short period, even for an hour or two.
- No specific time or month is required.
- Allows believers to increase their connection with Allah whenever they feel the need for spiritual retreat.
Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) would observe Itikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan. One year, he did not perform Itikaf, so he observed Itikaf for twenty days the following year.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Example of Nafl Itikaf in Daily Life:
Imagine you finish your Dhuhr prayer and decide to sit in the masjid for an extra hour, reciting Quran, making Dhikr, and reflecting on your deeds. If you make the intention of Nafl Itikaf, you will be rewarded for it without requiring fasting or an extended stay.
3. Wajib (Obligatory) Itikaf
This type of Itikaf becomes obligatory (Wajib) only when a person makes a vow to observe Itikaf for the sake of Allah. An example is if someone says:
“If Allah grants me success in my business, I will perform Itikaf for three days,” then Itikaf becomes mandatory upon them if their wish is fulfilled.
Allah says: “And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.” (Quran 17:34)
The Prophet (ﷺ) also said:
“Whoever makes a vow to obey Allah, let him obey Him.” (Bukhari, 6696)
Key Features of Wajib Itikaf:
- Must be fulfilled as promised, it is a binding obligation.
- The duration depends on the terms of the vow. For example, if a person vows to perform Itikaf for three days, they must fulfill that specific commitment.
Ibn Baaz (رحمه الله) said:
“If a person makes a vow to perform Itikaf, he must fulfill it, just as he must fulfill any other vow made for Allah’s sake.”
Conditions of performing Itikaf
Observing Itikaf requires sincerity, commitment, and adherence to the guidelines set by the Quran and Sunnah. It is not just about staying in the mosque; rather, it is about engaging oneself in worship, seeking closeness to Allah, and cutting off from worldly distractions.
Below is a step-by-step guide to performing Itikaf correctly:
1. Make a sincere intention (Niyyah):
Intention (Niyyah) is the foundation of every act of worship in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Actions are but by intentions, and every man shall have only that which he intended.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
How to make the intention for Itikaf?
There is no specific verbal formula for the intention, but in your heart, you should decide that: “I am observing Itikaf in this masjid for the sake of Allah, seeking His pleasure and closeness.”
Key point in making intention for each type of Itikaf:
- For Sunnah Itikaf, the intention should be made before Maghrib on the 20th night of Ramadan.
- For Nafl (Voluntary) Itikaf, one can make the intention at any time.
- For Wajib Itikaf, the intention must align with the vow made.
2. Choose the right mosque
Where should Itikaf be performed?
Itikaf must be performed in a mosque where the five daily prayers and Jumu’ah (Friday prayer) are held.
Ibn Taymiyyah (رحمه الله) said:
“Itikaf is to confine oneself to a masjid for the purpose of worshipping Allāh inside it (Islamc21c)
Why the Masjid?
- It removes worldly distractions.
- The spiritual environment increases devotion.
- Allows participation in congregational and Jumuah prayers without the need to leave the environment.
3. Engage in acts of worship
Once inside the mosque, the Itikaf observer should maximize their time in ibadah (worship).
What to do during Itikaf?
- Recite and reflect on the Quran
- Engage in dhikr (Remembrance of Allah) like SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah
- Make duas and seek forgiveness (Istighfar). Check the recommended dua of Laylatul Qadr here
- Engage in additional Salah (Nafl Prayers). Increase Tahajjud and voluntary prayers.
4. Avoid distractions and idle talk. Itikaf is a spiritual retreat; one must avoid anything that defeats its purpose. Things to avoid in Itikaf include:
- Excessive socializing. Avoid unnecessary conversations.
- Business transactions. Itikaf is not a time for financial dealings.
- Entertainment and social media. Keep away from distractions.
5. Understand the duration of Itikaf. The length of Itikaf depends on the type being observed:
Sunnah Itikaf: The last ten nights of Ramadan (from the 20th night until the sighting of the Eid moon).
Nafl (Voluntary) Itikaf: It can be as short as an hour or a few days, depending on one’s ability.
Wajib (Obligatory) Itikaf: Based on the vow made.
Important Note:
- If one exits the masjid without necessity, Itikaf becomes invalid.
- Exceptions include bathroom needs, food arrangements (if no one is providing), or medical emergencies.
Performing Itikaf correctly ensures that one earns its maximum rewards. Itikaf is not just about seclusion only but a means of positive transformation. When done with sincerity, it has the power to soften hearts, purify souls, and bring one closer to Allah.
“And devote yourself to Allah with complete devotion.” (Surah Al-Muzzammil 73:8)
Through Itikaf, we purify our hearts, strengthen our connection with Allah, and seek His mercy and forgiveness. It is also a reminder that this dunya (world) is temporary, and our true success lies in the Hereafter.
Let us make sincere efforts to observe Itikaf whenever possible, seeking the pleasure and closeness of Allah. May Allah accept our worship (Ramadan fasting, prayers, charity), forgive our sins, and grant us the strength to continue practicing righteousness even after Ramadan. Aameen
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