Concept of Itikaf

(Seclusion)

Luqman AbdurRaheem

What is Itikaf & Etymology?

Etymologically, I'tikaf emanates from the verb ( Itakafa) meaning
to withdraw into or to seclude oneself. Ibn Qudamah writes in his
book Umdat fi Al-Fiqh defined Seclusion (I'tikaf) as staying inside the
mosque for the worship of Allah the Exalted. It is the recommended
prophetic tradition (sunnah) unless it is done as a vow, in which case
the vow must be fulfilled. The purpose of such stay in the Masjid is
Ibadah and to gain proximity to Allah Ta'ala and to seek Laylatul
Qadri.

And (remember) when We made the House (the Ka`bah at
Makkah) a place of resort for mankind and a place of safety. And
take you (people) to the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim as a place of
prayer, and We commanded Ibrahim (Abraham) and Isma`il
(Ishmael) that they should purify My House (the Ka`bah at
Makkah) for those who are circumambulating it, or staying

What is Itikaf & Etymology?

And do not have sexual relations with them (your wives) while
you are in I`tikaf in the Masjids. These are the limits (set) by
Allah, so approach them not. Thus does Allah make clear His
Ayat to mankind that they may acquire Taqwa.

Itikaf & Timing

Imam Ash-Shafiee, (R) said:

Whoever desires to follow the example of the Prophet, peace and
blessings be upon him, should seek seclusion in the mosque during the
last ten nights of Ramadan; so let him enter the mosque before the
setting of the sun on the twenty first night.

There are three types of I'tikaf: Wajib, Sunnatul

Muakkadah and Nafl.

Itikaf Timing & Ruling

Abdullah ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, reported:

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him,

would seek seclusion (I'tikaf) in the mosque during the last ten
nights of Ramadan (Sahih Bukhari 1921).
By the hadith above, Mu'takif is expected to enter the masjid at sunset
on 20th of Ramadan.
I'tikaf of the last ten days of Ramadhan is Sunnatul Muakkadah. The
observer is called Mu'takif (the one who observes I'tikaf). It could also be
twenty as practiced by the prophet (SAW).

Is Itikaf allowed for women

Females can observe I'tikaf in all mosques set aside for Salat or
specially cordoned off for the purpose of I'tikaf. It is essential that the
Mu'takifat remains inside the Masjid. Aisha, may Allah be pleased
with her, reported:

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to
retreat in the mosque during the last ten nights of
Ramadan until Allah the Exalted took him. His wives
continued to observe this practice after him (Source:
Sahih Muslim 1172).

VALID REASONS TO LEAVE I'TIKAF VENUE

It is permissible to leave the Masjid for the following acts of

need:
(1) To answer the call of nature - to go to the toilet.
(2) To pass wind.
(3) To take an obligatory bath.
(4) To make wudhu.
(5) For Jumu'ah Salat, if Itikaf venue is not used for
Jumu'ah
(6) To proclaim the Adhan,
(7) To buy food if there is no one to tend to this need,
(8) If one is compelled to leave the Masjid because of
danger or forceful eviction, one may immediately proceed
to another Masjid to continue with the I'tikaf