Purpose of I’tikaf and Key Rules for Observing It During Ramadan

I’tikaf is a special act of worship in Islam in which a believer stays in the mosque for a certain period, focusing entirely on prayer and devotion to Allah. The main purpose of I’tikaf is to step away from worldly worries and seek closeness to Allah and His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

During I’tikaf, a person should spend most of their time in worship, such as performing prayers, reciting the Qur’an, making supplications and remembering Allah. Religious scholars advise those observing I’tikaf to avoid unnecessary worldly discussions and to maintain a strong focus on spiritual activities.

According to Islamic teachings, voluntary I’tikaf can be observed at any time of the year in a mosque for any length of time. However, the most common practice is the Sunnah I’tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan, following the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

A person may also receive the reward of voluntary I’tikaf by entering a mosque with the intention of I’tikaf before performing prayers and remaining there for a period of time. The intention can be made in Arabic or in one’s own language, even silently in the heart.

Religious scholars also advise that people should prioritize their local mosque when observing I’tikaf. Leaving one’s neighborhood mosque to stay in a distant or larger mosque without a valid religious reason is discouraged. However, going to another mosque is permissible if there are opportunities there for learning the Qur’an or receiving Islamic guidance.

Since a mosque is primarily a place of worship, activities such as unnecessary conversations about worldly matters should be avoided. For those performing I’tikaf, basic needs such as eating, drinking and sleeping inside the mosque are permitted. However, they should ensure that these activities do not disturb other worshippers.

Maintaining cleanliness and respect for the mosque is also important. Those observing I’tikaf are encouraged to remain in a state of ablution whenever possible and to take care of the mosque’s environment.

Women who wish to observe I’tikaf may designate a specific place in their homes for worship. Islamic traditions mention that the wives of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also observed I’tikaf in this way during Ramadan.

For many women who are busy with household responsibilities, observing I’tikaf at home during the last ten days of Ramadan provides an opportunity to increase their worship and spiritual devotion.

Through sincere worship and reflection during I’tikaf, believers seek the mercy, forgiveness and closeness of Allah.

Author: Mohammed Nurul Absar Taiyobi is a writer, researcher, and Islamic thinker. He is the Founder President of the Expatriate Journalists Association (PRASAS) based in Dubai, UAE. Additionally, he serves as the Chairman of the Islamic Research Center located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. For correspondence, he can be reached at: muntyping@gmail.com