Itikaf is considered one of the highest forms of worship in Islam, and a meritorious act that carries great spiritual rewards for those who undertake and complete it. In this blog, we will explore the meaning and practices of Itikaf and answer some of the most important questions surrounding this beautiful act of devotion.
What is Itikaf in Islam?
Itikaf is a form of spiritual retreat for Muslims. It is when a person secludes themselves in a mosque (also known as a masjid) for a certain number of days. This time is spent dedicated to prayer, ritual and reflection and foregoing worldly affairs.
While some faiths approve of, or even celebrate, monasticism – adherents dedicating their life to spiritual activities and renouncing worldly pursuits – this is not the case in Islam. Muslims believe that earning an honest and honourable livelihood and fulfilling obligations to your family, friends and neighbours are all part of a worthy life and necessary to achieve the pleasure and rewards of Allah (SWT). Balancing worldly and spiritual concerns is part of the requirements of being a good Muslim, so entirely abandoning the ordinary world to focus on spiritual things is not permitted.
However, we cannot always devote as much time, energy and thought to spiritual matters and our relationship with Allah (SWT) as we may wish. Important worldly concerns can take priority, throw off the balance and slow down our spiritual progress. Thus, Itikaf is a powerful and beautiful way to redress the balance, get away from the routines of the world and devote our heart and soul only to spiritual acts.
Whoever engages in Itikaf is protected from every sin and also earns the rewards of righteous deeds which were being done prior to Itikaaf as if they are still being done.
Ibn Majah
What does Itikaf mean?
The literal translation of the word ‘itikaf’ has its roots in ‘sticking to’ or being consistent in something. This emphasises that Itikaf is supposed to be a challenge and requires dedication, consistency and obedience to complete and to earn its rewards.
When can you do Itikaf?
Itikaf can be done at any time. However, it is most usually done during the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan. This is a sunnah – a practice of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Therefore, carrying out this practice and performing Itikaf at this time carries even greater power and spiritual rewards. This type of Itikaf is known as ‘Sunnah Mu’akkadah’ or ‘Emphasised Itikaf’.
These last ten days of Ramadan are also the days in which Lailat-ul-Qadr – the Night of Power – occurs. This time commemorates the night when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This one night is said to be ‘better than 1000 months’, although it is unknown which of the nights in these ten days the Night of Power will fall on. Worshipping on Lailat-ul-Qadr is an especially powerful and beneficial act, and when in the state of Itikaf, every second counts as an act of worship. So those performing Itikaf throughout these days and nights are sure of receiving these benefits, even if they are asleep on Lailat-ul-Qadr.
How to do Itikaf?
There are three forms of Itikaf.
1) Obligatory (‘Wajib’) Itikaf: Someone may make a vow (‘nazar’) to undertake Itikaf upon the fulfilment of a goal or condition. Before embarking on a challenge or endeavour, they may vow that if Allah (SWT) grants them success, they will perform a certain number of days of Itikaf. Although this vow is entered into voluntarily, once it is made the Itikaf becomes obligatory. The person performing Itikaf must fast during their retreat and must observe the number of days they stated in their vow.
2) Voluntary (‘Nafl’) Itikaf: This can be performed at any time of the year, and without entering into a vow or obligation beforehand. There is no lower time limit for Nafl Itikaf, although some Islamic scholars hold that it should be at least a full day. Others say that even a few hours of seclusion and dedication in a mosque are sufficient, and even entering a mosque with the sincere intention and mindset of Nafl Itikaf grants rewards. No fasting is required in this form of Itikaf, although doing so heightens the power of the undertaking.
3) Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Emphasised Itikaf): This is the most common and the most spiritually powerful form of Itikaf. It is observed in the last ten days of Ramadan. In keeping with the rules of the Holy Month, those undertaking Itikaf must fast – abstain from food and drink – during the daylight hours. This is also a communal act. If only one person from a community carries out Sunnah Mu’akkadah, the obligation is lifted from the rest. Equally, if no one performs it, it is a sin that applies to all.
For Itikaf to be valid, various conditions must be met before and throughout the time. These include:
A clear and sincere intention (niyyah) must be stated at the beginning of the Itikaf.
The Itikaf must be performed in a mosque, and ideally one where congregational prayers are held. This allows those making Itikaf to perform the five daily prayers and attend the Jumuah service (Friday Prayers) without having to leave the mosque.
One must be in a state of spiritual and physical cleanliness. Those undertaking it should perform wudu before beginning Itikaf.
Fasting is a condition for valid Itikaf in Ramadan and Wajib Itikaf.
Women must not be menstruating and be free from postnatal bleeding. If married, they should also have the permission of their husband to undertake Itikaf.
Can you do Itikaf at home?
The majority opinion from scholars is that Itikaf can only be done at a mosque. This is in keeping with the statements of the Prophet (PBUH) in the Quran, gains the best spiritual benefits and allows those undertaking Itikaf to fulfil their other obligations with regard to prayer without having to travel or leave a true state of seclusion from the outside world.
However, Allah (SWT) values sincere intentions more than just the performance of rituals and the following of rules. He knows and understands compelling conditions. If you have a good reason to be unable to undertake Itikaf in a mosque but fully engage with the spirit and significance of this form of worship, rewards can still be gained.
Some forms of Islamic jurisprudence decree that women should undertake Itikaf at home in a room set aside for the purpose. But women may also carry out Itikaf at a mosque, if they have privacy and access to the necessary facilities.
When does Itikaf start?
Sunnah Mu’akkadah – Itikaf during Ramadan – should be started on the morning of the 20th day of Ramadan after Fajr (early morning prayers). For the other forms of Itikaf, it is best to begin after Maghrib (prayers directly after sunset) and end your Itikaf at the same time on the vowed or chosen day.
Can you talk during Itikaf?
Itikaf should not be silent. Reciting the Quran is an important and expected part of Itikaf. So is making dua and reciting Darood. You may also talk with others during Itikaf, but the conversation must remain dedicated to spiritual matters and good and righteous things. And talk must be quiet, not disturb others around you.
What breaks Itikaf?
The following things will break Itikaf, making the undertaking invalid and foregoing any spiritual benefits of Itikaf.
Leaving the mosque or place of Itikaf without a valid reason. You may leave to attend to important personal needs or matters (such as fetching food if it cannot otherwise be provided – bringing food to people performing Itikaf in itself is a highly esteemed act) but must return as soon as these are completed.
Engaging with worldly conversation or activities, such as business dealings or hobbies.
Deliberately breaking the fast for Sunnah Mu’akkadah or Wajib Itikaf.
Menstruation or postnatal bleeding for women.
Committing major sins.
Doing nothing. Itikaf is not a time for relaxation or sleeping. Even if the requirements are not broken, if the time is not spent in heartfelt reflection and worship, Itikaf is invalid.
