I’tikaaf
Q. What is I’tikaaf?
A. Staying in a mosque where jamaa’ah is said, for devotion and prayers, is called I’tikaaf.
Q. Why is it only staying in the mosque which is ‘ibaadah in this way?
A. When a man leaves his pleasures, recreations, and work and stays in a mosque just for Allâh’s pleasure, this is obviously ‘ibaadah. At other places there are many distractions which prevent one from concentrating only on Allâh.
Q. Where should a woman do I’tikaaf?
A. At a place in her own house where she says her prayers. She should do the niyyah for I’tikaaf and remain there, leaving only for the toilet. If no particular place is set aside, she should fix a place before beginning I’tikaaf.
Q. What are the benefits of I’tikaaf?
A. Benefits include:
- Dedicating time and self to worship of Allâh
- Staying safe from sins and worldly distractions
- Continuous blessings of prayer while in I’tikaaf
- Being like angels who worship and remember Allâh constantly
- Being Allâh’s neighbor and guest in His mosque
Q. How many types of I’tikaaf are there?
A. Three types: Waajib, Sunnah Mu’akkadah, and Mustahab.
Q. What I’tikaaf is Waajib?
A. I’tikaaf of nadhr (as a promise to fulfill a desire). For example, someone promises to sit in I’tikaaf for Allâh for 2–3 days if a task is accomplished.
Q. What I’tikaaf is Sunnah Mu’akkadah?
A. I’tikaaf in the last ten days of Ramadan (from sunset of 20th Ramadan until the Eid moon is seen). If a few people do it, the rest are absolved.
Q. What I’tikaaf is Mustahab?
A. Any I’tikaaf other than the types above; can be done throughout the year.
Q. What are the conditions for propriety of I’tikaaf?
A. Must be:
- Muslim
- Free of menstruation and hadath akbar
- Sane
- Make niyyah
- Stay in mosque where jamaa’ah is held
- Fasting is also required for Waajib I’tikaaf
Q. What things are Mustahab in I’tikaaf?
A. Mustahab acts:
- Do virtuous and good deeds
- Recitation of Holy Qur’aan
- Reciting darood shareef
- Reading and teaching religious books
- Give advice and sermons
- Perform I’tikaaf in the jaami’ mosque (where Jum’ah prayer is held)