Itikaf Guide

Itikaf Guidance

Itikaf (Arabic: اعتكاف, also i’tikaaf or e’tikaaf) is an Islamic practice consisting of a period of staying in a mosque for a certain number of days, devoting oneself to ibadah during these days, and staying away from worldly affairs. The word’s literal meaning suggests sticking and adhering to, or being regular in something.

Itikaf guidance meaning symbolizes devotion and is particularly popular among devout Muslims during the last 10 days of Ramadan. This practice, often referred to as Itikaf 10 days, involves secluding oneself in a mosque or a designated area to focus entirely on worship.

Understanding Itikaf: Meaning and Importance

What is Itikaf?

Muslims consider Itikaf to be a type of spiritual retreat. During the last 10 days of Ramadan, many Muslims stay in the mosque (masjid) to ensure they can experience Laylat al-Qadr. This practice, guided by specific Itikaf rules, emphasizes isolation from worldly affairs to seek closeness to Allah. Derived from the Arabic term meaning “to isolate,” Itikaf guidance involves secluding oneself in a mosque for a specified period, primarily during the last ten days of Ramadan.

The primary goal is to focus on worship, away from daily distractions, and itikaf guidance helps to seek closeness to Allah. Women, while not required to stay in a mosque, can perform Itikaf in a designated prayer area at home. Women, while not required to stay in a mosque, can perform Itikaf in a designated prayer area at home.

Hadith Quote

The following hadith passage—hadith being a record of the traditions or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)— is narrated by Hazrat Aisha (R.A), the wife of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam): “The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) used to practice Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died, and then his wives used to practice Itikaf after him.” [Hadith No. 2026, Book of Itikaf, Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 3]

What does Itikaf mean?

The definition of the word, Itikaaf, is to isolate oneself or remain attached to something. According to Islamic terminology, Itikaaf means to seclude oneself in the mosque with the intention of observing Itikaaf while keeping a fast. Itikaaf, like the institution of fasting, is found in other religions. For instance, the Holy Quran states (2:126):

وَ اِذۡ جَعَلۡنَا الۡبَیۡتَ مَثَابَۃً لِّلنَّاسِ وَ اَمۡنًا ؕ وَ اتَّخِذُوۡا مِنۡ مَّقَامِ اِبۡرٰہٖمَ مُصَلًّی ؕ وَ عَہِدۡنَاۤ اِلٰۤی اِبۡرٰہٖمَ وَ اِسۡمٰعِیۡلَ اَنۡ طَہِّرَا بَیۡتِیَ لِلطَّآئِفِیۡنَ وَ الۡعٰکِفِیۡنَ وَ الرُّکَّعِ السُّجُوۡدِ

And remember the time when We made the house a resort for mankind and a place of security; and take ye the station of Abraham as a place of prayer. And we commanded Abraham and Ishmael, saying, 

‘Purify My House for those who perform the circuit, those who remain therein for devotion, and those who bow down and fall prostrate in praye

The Significance of Itikaf:

  • Spiritual Renewal: Itikaf is an opportunity for introspection, repentance, and aligning one’s life with Islamic teachings.
  • Sunnah Practice: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regularly observed Itikaf during Ramadan, making it a Sunnah for Muslims to emulate.
  • Search for Laylatul Qadr: Observing Itikaf during the last ten days increases the likelihood of experiencing the blessings of Laylatul Qadr (Night of Decree).

The Heart Is the Core of Deeds

The core of all deeds is the heart, as the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:

“In the body, there is an organ that if it is sound, the entire body will be sound, and if it is corrupt, the entire body will be corrupt. That organ is the heart.” [Bukhari 52 and Muslim 1599]

In this hadith, the message speaks of the heart as the core of our actions. This world has many temptations, trials, and tribulations. It can influence the actions of our hearts. Itikaf allows you to take a timeout from the world and focus on the constant worship of Allah—to remind us that we are here to worship and please Allah. IItikaf guidance helps us keep our hearts good and on the straight path as we go out in the world. Itikaf can help strengthen one’s shield against the tricks and temptations of shaitan (evil spirits).

“Haidth Quote”
As narrated by Abu Huraira (RA):
“The Prophet used to perform Itikaf every year in the month of Ramadan for ten days, and when it was the year of his death, he stayed in Itikaf for twenty days.” [Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 33, Number 260]

Time and Duration of Itikaf?

Varying opinions exist on the time and duration of itikaf, depending on which school of thought you follow. For nafl and wajib itikaf, it is agreed that the duration depends on your intent and can begin at any time of the day or night. Itikaf guidance helps you plan or vow to Allah to be in itikaf for one day, then do so for one day; if for two days, then do so for two days, etc. Some scholars say that if one cannot do the entire 24-hour period, it is permissible for a person to make the intention for the set amount of time for itikaf.

During the last 10 nights of Ramadan, many try to spend the entire time in itikaf so they will not miss out on the rewards of Laylat al-Qadr. It is not known which night Laylat al-Qadr will occur, except that it will occur on an odd-numbered night. Some choose to spend their days and nights in itikaf only on the odd number days of the last 10 days of Ramadan, making their itikaf intentions with each time they enter the masjid.

When Should You Begin Your Itikaf?

As far as when a person should begin their itikaf, there seems to be a variance in opinion as well. A few hadiths mention that the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would begin his itikaf at the time of Maghrib prayer. Itikaf guidance depends upon the believer and their intentions. Here is an example of one hadith’s mention, narrated by Hazrat Aisha (RA):

“When the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) wanted to observe itikaf, he would pray Fajr then enter his place of itikaf.” [Bukari 1928 and 2041, Muslim 1173, al-Tirmidhi 791]

If the intention is to do so, itikaf could last only a few hours. For example, it is encouraged, but not mandatory, to be in a state of itikaf during the time of Fajr until the sun rises and to be in a state of itikaf from Maghrib until the end of Isha prayer.

“And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques. These are the limits [set by] Allah, so do not approach them. Thus does Allah make clear His ordinances to the people that they may become righteous.” [Surat al-Baqarah 2:187]

Types of Itikaf

Sunnah: This is the itikaf performed during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Nafl: Itikaf can be performed any day or night of the year. This is considered to be a nafl (voluntary) act.

Wajib: If you have made a vow to perform itikaf, then it is compulsory (wajib) that you do so. This could be making a vow to Allah, such as through niyyat (intention) to perform itikaf, or a vow based on a condition. This means saying or thinking: “If this thing happens, I will make itikaf for certain number of days.”

Rules and Conditions of Itikaf:

Itikaf, like any other worship, has rules that Muslims should adhere to throughout its period. It requires sincere itikaf guidance intention and dedication solely for the sake of Allah. One must stay within the mosque for the entire duration unless there is a valid reason to leave.

General Itikaf Rules

Eligibility

Only Muslims who are in a state of ritual purity (Tahara) can perform Itikaf.

Location

For men, Itikaf must be observed in a mosque. Women can perform Itikaf at home in a dedicated space.

Fasting

Observing fast is a mandatory condition during Itikaf.

Continuous Presence

Leaving the mosque invalidates Itikaf unless it is for essential needs like using the restroom or bathing.

Engagement in Worship

Activities should be limited to prayer, Quran recitation, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and other acts of devotion.

Conditions of Itikaf:

Being Muslim

The first condition to performing itikaf is that the person must be Muslim. Also, note that children who have not reached an age of discernment (sin at-tamyiz) do not participate in itikaf. The child must be able to eat, dress, and wash themselves without assistance.

Must be of sound mind

This means that a person must be able to make reasonable and rational thoughts and decisions. To explain further, a person may not be drunk or under the influence of drugs that may alter their state of mind. Also, a person with a mental illness that prevents them from making decisions on their own should not perform itikaf.

Niyyah

This means intention. One must have the intention to participate in itikaf for the sake of Allah, not for the sake of being seen by others. Your intention must be pure and focused on worshiping and pleasing Allah.

Permission

Women need to ask permission from their husbands before performing itikaf.

Performed in masjid

It is mentioned in Surat al-Baqarah 2:187 that itikaf is performed in a masjid. While some may say it is okay to perform itikaf at home, especially for women, most scholars agree that this is not the case because the Qur’an says otherwise.

State of wudu

One must be in a state of wudu (purification/cleanliness) to participate in itikaf. If a person’s wudu is nullified, such as by using the bathroom, the person must wudu before continuing the itikaf. Although, if during sleep, one has what is called a wet dream, one’s itikaf is not nullified, but one must ghusl (full-body purification) before continuing itikaf.

Fasting

According to most schools of thought, fasting is required to perform itikaf. Itikaf is mentioned in the Qur’an in conjunction with the fasting of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would always fast during his itikaf. However, some believe that if a person has a medical condition, such as diabetes, that prevents them from fasting, it is still permissible to participate in itikaf. Please note that a medical condition differs from being ill, such as fever or nausea.

Additional Rules for the Last 10 Days of Itikaf:

  • The Itikaf period begins at sunset on the 20th day of Ramadan and ends with the sighting of the Eid moon.
  • Idle talk, gossip, and worldly distractions should be avoided to maintain the sanctity of Itikaf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Itikaf is a spiritual retreat where a Muslim isolates themselves in a mosque for worship, avoiding worldly distractions. It is often observed during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Key rules include being in a state of ritual purity, fasting, staying continuously in the mosque (except for essentials), and dedicating oneself to worship such as prayer, Quran recitation, and dhikr.

Yes, women can perform Itikaf at home by designating a specific, quiet area for worship, provided they have the permission of their spouses if married.

  • Sunnah Itikaf: Observed during the last 10 days of Ramadan.
  • Nafl Itikaf: Voluntary and can be done any time of the year.
  • Wajib Itikaf: Mandatory if one has vowed to perform Itikaf.

Itikaf allows for spiritual renewal, detachment from worldly affairs, increased focus on worship, and a higher chance of experiencing Laylat al-Qadr.

Itikaf during the last 10 days of Ramadan is highly rewarding, as it coincides with the search for Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree.

While there is no specific prescribed dua for Itikaf, personal supplications and prayers seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings are encouraged.

  1. Popular mosques include:
    • Gold-Coast Grand Mosque (Tarneit): Known for its spacious and serene environment.
    • Preston Mosque: Features a vibrant community and inclusive arrangements.
    • Coburg Mosque: Offers facilities for extended worship.

Women can prepare for Itikaf by creating a dedicated prayer area at home with minimal distractions. They may also check with local mosques to see if arrangements are available for women.

Not all mosques accommodate Itikaf due to space or management restrictions. It is recommended to check in advance with mosques like Preston Mosque or Gold-Coast Grand Mosque for availability and guidelines.