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I’tikaf, a spiritual retreat in a mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan, is a highly recommended Sunnah in Islam. Here are the key rules and guidelines for observing I’tikaf:
1. Intention (Niyyah):

  • The intention for I’tikaf must be made before beginning. It should be for the sake of seeking closeness to Allah and dedicating time to worship.

2. Location:

  • Men: I’tikaf should be observed in a mosque where congregational prayers, including Jumu’ah (Friday) prayer, are held.
  • Women: They can observe I’tikaf in a designated prayer area at home if it is difficult to do so in a mosque. However, if they choose to perform it in a mosque, the same rules apply as for men.

3. Duration:

  • The Sunnah I’tikaf is observed during the last ten days of Ramadan, starting from sunset on the 20th of Ramadan until the sighting of the Eid moon.
  • A minimum of one day and night is required for it to be considered I’tikaf, though the full ten days is ideal.

4. Permissible Activities:

  • Engaging in acts of worship like reciting the Qur’an, performing voluntary prayers (Nawafil), making Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and making Du’a (supplication).
  • Eating, drinking, and sleeping within the designated area in the mosque.

5. Leaving the Mosque:

  • Leaving the mosque for any unnecessary reason invalidates I’tikaf.
  • It is permissible to leave only for essential needs like using the restroom, taking a shower if needed, or getting food if it is not available within the mosque. These should be done quickly to return to the I’tikaf area as soon as possible.

6. Invalidation of I’tikaf:

  • Breaking the fast: Since I’tikaf is closely connected to fasting, deliberately breaking the fast without a valid reason invalidates the I’tikaf.
  • Sexual Relations: Engaging in sexual intercourse nullifies the I’tikaf. Even acts leading to arousal that could lead to ejaculation are prohibited.
  • Leaving the Mosque: Exiting the mosque for reasons other than what is permissible invalidates I’tikaf.

7. Focus on Worship:

  • The essence of I’tikaf is to isolate oneself from worldly distractions and to focus on spiritual growth, so engaging in socializing or unnecessary conversation is discouraged.

8. Conclusion of I’tikaf:

  • I’tikaf concludes at the sighting of the moon marking the end of Ramadan. Participants should exit the mosque after Maghrib on the night of Eid.

9. Make-up I’tikaf:

  • If I’tikaf is interrupted for a valid reason, it is recommended, though not obligatory, to make up the missed days later.

By observing these rules, the participant can maximize the spiritual benefits of I’tikaf, drawing closer to Allah during the blessed month of Ramadan.

Muhammad Zubair Answered question August 28, 2024
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