Narrated by Aisha (RadiAllahu Anha):
“The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to observe Itikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan until he passed away. He also said, ‘Search for the night of Laylat al-Qadr in the last ten days of Ramadan.’ Furthermore, after the demise of the Prophet (pbuh), his wives continued to observe Itikaf.”
Observing Itikaf—staying in the Masjid during the last ten days of Ramadan solely for the purpose of worshipping Allah—is a Sunnah.
Meaning and Purpose:
The word Itikaf means “confining or restraining oneself.” It refers to completely detaching oneself from worldly affairs and devoting oneself entirely to acts of worship (Ibadah).
Ibn al-Qayyim (رحمه الله) stated that the core purpose of Itikaf is for the heart to become entirely focused on and connected with Allah the Almighty.
Men should observe Itikaf in their respective local mosques (Mahallah Masjid), while women should do so in a designated private area within their homes.
The Reward of Itikaf
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever observes Itikaf for a single day, seeking the pleasure of Allah, Allah will place three trenches between him and the Hellfire. The width of each trench is greater than the distance between the heavens and the earth.”
— Al-Targheeb
Itikaf provides an excellent opportunity to step away from the year-long preoccupation with the creation and instead build a deep closeness with the Creator.
Guidelines and Etiquette for Itikaf
- Location: Itikaf must be observed in a local mosque where Jumu’ah (Friday) prayers are regularly held.
- Speech: One should not speak to others without an absolute necessity. Vain talk, arguments, backbiting, and listening to evil speech are strictly prohibited. Even permissible talk should be kept to a minimum.
- Movement: A person in Itikaf must not leave the boundaries of the mosque.
- Acts of Devotion: One should engage extensively in acts of worship, Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), Quran recitation, and making Dua (supplications).
- Detachment: The person must completely detach themselves from worldly businesses and affairs.
- Restraint: One should avoid excessive sleeping and resting, focusing instead on maximizing worship.
- Women’s Itikaf: For women, Itikaf consists of setting aside a specific, private area within their homes to engage in worship.
- The Sunnah Period: Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) observed Itikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan; therefore, staying in the mosque during these final ten days is a Sunnah.
A Blessed Protection
Itikaf should not be treated as a mere opportunity to rest or idle away time. However, it carries immense grace: the person in Itikaf is protected from falling into sins.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned that even when a person in Itikaf rests, “he is rewarded with the virtues of someone who performs all righteous deeds.”