Itikaf Rules: Guide for a Profound Spiritual Experience

In Islamic tradition, the last ten days of Ramadan are a time of increased devotion and seeking of Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power. Muslims can engage in a spiritual retreat during this sacred period known as Itikaf. Although Itikaf is not obligatory, it is highly recommended that you seek closeness to Allah and spiritual rejuvenation. But what does it truly take to perform this sacred ritual following the Sunnah?

This blog post is an exploratory guide into the intricate Itikaf rules, where we unravel the dos and don’ts and the how-tos.  Whether you are planning to undertake Itikaf for the first time or looking to deepen your existing knowledge, discover practical insights and rules of Itikaf to enhance your spiritual experience today. Also, read about the significance and virtue of Itikaf in Ramadan.

Types of Itikaf

Itikaf, the seclusion in the mosque, has three types:

Wajib (Obligatory):

This is a vowed Itikaf where one promises or vows to Allah to perform Itikaf. It is obligatory that the vow be fulfilled by observing Itikaf.

Sunnah (Recommended):

Observing Itikaf is recommended during the last ten days of Ramadan. In this case, believers can choose the location of their retreat before sunset on the 20th of Ramadan and continue until the sighting of the Eid moon.

Nafil (Voluntary):

For this, no specific time is prescribed. Whenever a person enters the mosque and intends to observe Itikaf, for however long he stays there, he will attain the reward of Itikaf.

Itikaf Rules

The Itikaf performed during the last ten days of Ramadan is considered ‘Sunnah Mu’akadah Fil Kafayah.’ This means that if even one person observes Itikaf in a town or a village mosque, everyone will be fulfilled with the Sunnah obligation. However, if no one observes Itikaf, all will be considered sinners to have missed a Sunnah.

The following list of Itikaf rules serves as a beacon guiding the faithful toward spiritual renewal and heightened awareness of their endeavour:

Rule 1: The recommended Itikaf timing starts from the sunset of the 20th of Ramadan and continues until the sighting of the Eid moon. The person intending to observe Itikaf should reach the mosque before sunset on the 20th of Ramadan.

Rule 2: If Itikaf is observed in a locality or village, the Sunnah obligation will be fulfilled for the residents of that locality or village, even if the person observing Itikaf belongs to another locality.

Rule 3: Observing Itikaf for a few days during the last ten days of Ramadan is considered a voluntary act (nafil), not a Sunnah Itikaf.

Rule 4: For men, it is mandatory to observe Itikaf in mosques whereas, women should observe Itikaf in their homes rather than in the mosque. [Fatawa-Al-Hidiyyah Vol:1, Pg:211]

Rule 5: The intention for Itikaf is sufficient by intending in the heart that “I am observing the Sunnah Itikaf of the ten days of Ramadan for the sake of Allah’s pleasure.”

Rule 6: It is not permissible to pay someone to perform Itikaf on one’s behalf.

Rule 7: The intention for the recommended Itikaf should be made before the sunset of the 20th of Ramadan. If someone enters the mosque on time but does not intend to perform Itikaf, and the sunset occurs, the intention afterward will not make Itikaf Sunnah.

Requirements for Itikaf Observers

The following list elaborates on the requirements for Itikaf observers, providing invaluable insights for those seeking to fulfill this profound act of worship.

• The observer must be a Muslim.
• The observer must be mentally sound.
• Possessing the intention (niyyah) for Itikaf.
• Men must perform I’tikaaf in the mosque.
• Observers must be in a state of purity / ritual cleanliness and continue to maintain this throughout the duration.
• Fasting during the days of Itikaf is also essential (If no one can fast during Itikaf or breaks the fast for some reason, then Itikaf will also be broken.)
• If a person has a bad smell or a disease due to which people are fed up, then such a person should not sit in Itikaf, but if there is a little smell that goes away from fragrance, etc. and people do not suffer, then it is permissible.

Permissible Actions During Itikaf

There are important Itikaf rules regarding permissible actions during Itikaf. These permissible actions include:

• Eating and drinking (provided the mosque is not made dirty)
• Sleeping or taking rest
• Speaking if necessary
• Conducting one’s or someone else’s marriage or any other contract
• Changing clothes
• Applying perfume or oil
• Combing hair (provided it does not damage the mosque)
• Examining a patient, writing prescriptions, or advising medicine (though doing these without charge is preferable, otherwise it’s disliked)
• Washing utensils
• Washing clothes
• Buying and selling for life necessities (provided it’s not done as a business)
• Placing curtains around one’s designated area
• Changing places within the mosque if needed
• Keeping bedding, soap, utensils for eating and drinking, and books for religious study in the mosque if necessary.
• Buying and selling without bringing goods into the mosque [Fatawa al Hidayah Vol:1, p:343]

Prohibited Actions During Itikaf

There are also some Itikaf rules regarding prohibited actions during Itikaf. These Prohibitions and disliked actions during Itikaf include:

• Unnecessary talking
• Keeping, reading, or listening to literature, newspapers, or magazines containing obscene, useless, false, or anti-Islamic content in the mosque.
• Bringing more than necessities in the mosque
• Wasting electricity, gas, or water in the mosque
• Smoking in the mosque
• Cutting or shaving hair for the sake of earning wages is not permissible.

However, suppose someone needs his hair cut and no one can do so without compensation. In that case, it is permissible for the observer to remain inside the mosque while the barber stays outside it.

Itikaf Rules for Females

While commonly associated with men, Itikaf for women is equally sacred in Islamic practice. In the quiet corners of their homes, women devote themselves to worship, seeking closeness to the Divine and internalizing this period’s profound peace. All the above-mentioned Itikaf rules also apply to women. There are a few extensions regarding the rules of Itikaf for females:

• Women should observe Itikaf in their homes rather than in the mosque.
• A woman should be free from menstruation and should be in a state of purity.
• Women are allowed to breastfeed their infants while observing the Itikaf.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the Itikaf rules for both men and women is crucial for those intending to perform this act of worship with dedication and sincerity. By covering the essential Itikaf rules, we aim to facilitate a more informed and spiritually fulfilling experience for all our readers who wish to observe Itikaf.

Whether you are a seasoned participant or considering Itikaf for the first time, the principles and rules for Itikaf discussed can help you mentally and spiritually prepare. We encourage everyone to engage with a community of like-minded individuals who can enhance your understanding and appreciation of this powerful practice. Share your stories and support others in their journey of observance of Itikaf.