Here is Everything You Need to Know About Itikaf

By Yusuf Badat

What is Iʿitikaf?

• The literal meaning of iʿitikaf is to stay or hold oneself down. In a religious context, iʿitikaf means to hold oneself down inside the masjid, with an intention, for the worship of God with specific stipulations while abstaining from certain matters. It can also refer to reside in the masjid as an act of worship and or to wait for prayer at the place of prayer. – (Qamus Al-Fiqh Li-Al-Rahmaniy)

What are the Objectives of Iʿitikaf?

• The purpose of iʿitikaf is to be in God’s presence at the most beloved space on earth, [the masjid] to seek His blessings. Additionally, to disconnect from everything and everyone possible to attain special focus on God. – (Tabraniy, Sharḥ Al-ʿUmdah, Qamus Al-Fiqh)
• If iʿitikaf is conducted in Ramadan, to attain Laylat Al-Qadr (the night of power). – (Bukhari)

What are the Virtues of Iʿitikaf?

• Rewards of emulating and following the Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings be upon him) – (Bukhari)
• Perpetual rewards during iʿitikaf equal to every good deed that can be done. – (Ibn Majah)
• Iʿitikaf in Ramadan is equivalent to ‘Umrah in rewards. – (Tabraniy)
• Iʿitikaf in Ramadan is a means to achieve Laylat Al-Qadr. – (Bukhari)

What is the Status of Iʿitikaf?

• Iʿitikaf in general is a prophetic practice (sunnah). It elevates to an emphasised prophetic communal practice (sunnah muʾakkadah al-kifayah) during Ramadan, especially the last 10 days. – (Ahkam Al-Qurʾan Qurtubiy, Al-Bahr Al-Raiq)

How Many Types of Iʿitikaf are There?

• Obligatory (Wajib): This is when one makes a vow [or a promise] to God, to observe iʿitikaf. The minimum duration for this type is at least one day, accompanied with fasting, according to most jurists. – (Al-Badaʿi Al-Sanaʿi)
• Encouraged Prophetic Practice (Sunnah): – This is the iʿitikaf conducted during the last 10 days and nights of Ramadan. Fasting is a requirement for this category. – (Rad Al-Muhtar, Al-Insaf)
• Recommended (Mustahab/ Nafl): This category is considered primarily by Hanafi jurisprudence. Apart from an intention there are no other conditions. One simply makes an intention of being in iʿitikaf, as long as one is in the masjid, and therby attains the rewards. – (Rad Al-Muhtar)

What is the Duration of Iʿitikaf?

• Minimum sunnah iʿitikaf must be at least a day. Nothing less than that according to majority jurists. There is no limit to the maximum days one can observe iʿitikaf. One can do it for as many days they want. – (Rawdat Al-Talibin, Al-I’elam Li-Fawaid ‘Omdat Al-Ahkam)
• According to Hanafi jurists even a moment in the masjid can be regarded as iʿitikaf with an intention. – (Rad Al-Muhtar).

Where Can Iʿitikaf be Performed?

• The masjid [where 5 daily congregational prayers take place] is the only place where iʿitikaf can be conducted, for both men and women according to majority Islamic jurists. If women are observing iʿitikaf in the masjid, proper arrangements for curtains, seclusion and modesty are to be undertaken. – (Al-Mugniy)
• The home is the preferred location for women to do iʿitikaf according to Hanafi jurists, meaning at the designated prayer space or room in one’s home. – (Dur Al Mukhtar, Al-Badai’ Al-Sana’i)

When Can Iʿitikaf Be Done?

• Anytime of the year. – (Sahih Muslim, Al-Kafiy Li Ibn ʿAbd Al-Barr)

What are the Conditions of Iʿitikaf?

• Islam, sanity and maturity.
• State of purity, free from major ritual impurities of janabah, menses and postpartum bleeding. – (Bukhari, ʿUmdat-Al-Qariy, Al-Mugniy, Al-Hawiy)
• Intention to conduct iʿitikaf. – (Al-Ifsah)
• Fasting according to majority jurists. – (Al-Insaf Fi Hukm Al-Iʿitikaf)
• A married woman requires mutual agreement with husband. – (Bukhari)
• Staying confined in the masjid [or place of prayer] – (Bukhari)

Can Someone Leave and Return to the Iʿitikaf? if so for How Long?

• The one observing iʿitikaf must stay in the masjid, unless there is a pressing human or religious necessity such as to relieve oneself or for Friday congregational prayers. – (Qamuus Al-Fiqh)
• When leaving for a necessity, one should limit the time spent outside the masjid prayer hall for only the duration required to fulfill such necessity. iʿitikaf will be considered nullified if more than half a day is spent outside the masjid. – (Al-Badaʿi Al-Sanaʿi, Radd Al-Muhtar)
• If observing mustahab or nafl iʿitikaf, one may leave for any duration and return. – (Al-Insaf)

What Breaks the Iʿitikaf?

• Intercourse. – (Quran 2:187)
• Prompted ejaculation. – (Al-Insaf)
• Exiting the masjid for no valid reason. – (Bukhari)
• Exiting the masjid for a necessity and taking longer than required. – (Fath Al-Qadir, Sharh Al-ʿUmdah, Hashiyah Ibn ʿAbidan)
• Eating (breaking the ritual fast). – (Al-Insaf)