[Sahih Bukhari : Volume 3,
Book 33, Book Name 'I'tikaf '
Number 260]
Narrated 'Abu Haraira (Radi
Allah Anhu) : The Prophet
Muhammad (sal-allahu-alleihi-
wasallam) used to perform Itikaf
every year in the month of
Ramazan for ten days and when
it was the year of his death, he
stayed in Itikaf for twenty days."
Friendz,Good bye 4 some days.Bcoz i m going to observe "I'TIKAF" in Mosjid.For my semestar final exam i did not attend i'tikaf in 20th romdan,that's why im going today.So i will n't use blog dis time.I will right back after da i'tikaf's days.Good wishes 4 all n also Eid Mubarak in advance.Plz pray for me in Lilatul-Qdar.
Monday, September 06, 2010
Good Deed:Perform I’tikaf -Spiritual retreat
Abu Hurayra said, “The Prophet,
may Allah bless him and grant
him peace, used to do i’tikaf for
ten days every Ramadan. In the
year in which he died he did
i’tikaf for twenty days.” [al-
Bukhari]
‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with
her) reported that Allah’s
Messenger (may peace be upon
him) used to exert himself in
devotion during the last ten
nights to a greater extent than at
any other time. Bukhari 6:6:2644
The Prophet (Allah bless him &
give him peace) said, “Whoever
stands the nights of Ramadan in
prayer out of faith and seeking
reward shall have their previous
sins forgiven.” [Bukhari &
Muslim]
Ali Ibn Husain RA narrates from
his father that Rasullullah
sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said:
“He who observes the ten days
I’tikaf during Ramadhan will
obtain the thawaab of two Hajj
and two Umrah.” (Bayhaqi)
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbas RA
reported that Rasullullah
sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said:
“Whosoever for Allah’s sake did
even one days i’tikaf, Allah
would keep him away from
Jahannam by
trenches.” (Tabarani)
I’tikaf city documentary -- I don’t
understand this but amazing to
see the turn out for the i’tikaf
here.
Action Plan
Benefits of I’tikaf
I`tikaf is a means of great
reward. It says in the Fatawa
Hindiyya,
“Its excellence is obvious, for the
one make such a spiritual
retreat:
- Has submitted their entire
person to the worship of Allah
Most High;
- seeks closeness;
- distances themselves from the
worldly distractions that prevent
one from proximity;
- drowning their entire time in
actual or effective worship, for
the basis of its legislation is to
wait from one prayer time to the
next prayer in congregation;
- it also makes the one is retreat
resemble the angels who do not
disobey the command of Allah
and do what they are
commanded, while glorifying
Allah by night and day without
tiring…” [1.212]
Things permitted during
I`tikaf
Everything normally permissible,
besides sexual relations, is
permitted during i`tikaf, such as
eating, drinking, and talk (not
during day in ramadan).
What to do during i`tikaf
One should busy oneself with
the beneficial as much as one
meaningfully can, such as:
1. Voluntary prayer,
2. Reciting the Book of Allah,
with reflection, contemplation,
and passion,
3. Remembrance of Allah, in all
its forms,
4. Gaining beneficial knowledge,
and listening to inspiring religious
discourses (which is why it is wise
to make i`tikaf in a mosque with
people of learning, and good
company to inspire one towards
the good).
One should avoid simply wasting
time in things bereft of benefit,
let alone the haram, though
there is nothing wrong in taking
‘breaks’ in which one relaxes
with others, as a means of being
able to return to one’s worship
with vigor and devotion.
source : seekers guidance
WHAT SHOULD ONE DO
DURING I’TIKAF ?
Q: What should one do during
I’tikaf?
A:
1) One should engage oneself in
tilawat of Quran, durud and
salawat upon Nabi sallallahu
alayhi wa sallam, istighfar and
nafil salat.
2) He should abstain from all types
of sin and guard his ears, eyes,
heart, thus deriving maximum
benefit from the I’tikaf.
3) The mu’takif should remember
that he is the guest of Almighty
Allah, therefore he should be
extremely careful of his
behaviour in the House of
Almighty Allah.
4) The main objective of I’tikaf is to
seek Laylatul Qadr, therefore the
mu’takifin (brothers in I’tikaf)
should exert themselves during
the odd nights of Ramadhan.
INTENTION FOR SUNNAH
I’TIKAF
Q: In a sunnah I’tikaf during
the last ten days of
Ramadhan, how does one
make an intention?
A: Niyyat (intention) could be
done in the heart or verbally
expressed, eg. – O Allah I am
making I’tikaf for the last ten
days of Ramadhan.
BATH TO COOL OFF DURING
I’TIKAF
Q: Can one leave the Masjid to
take a bath just to cool off
during I’tikaf?
A: It is not permissible to do so
and the I’tikaf will be invalidated.
VENUE FOR FEMALE I’TIKAF
Q: Where should a female
make her I’tikaf?
A: According to the Shafi’es,
Malikis, Hanbalis, I’tikaf can only
be performed in the Masjid.
Hence, men will sit in the male
section whilst females will
perform their I’tikaf in the
female section of the masjid. It is
not permissible to perform I’tikaf
at home according to the above
mentioned scholars. However,
the Hanafi scholars state that it is
permissible for females to
perform their I’tikaf at home in a
place which is reserved for salat.
Cognizance must be taken of the
fact that women must not be in
menses or post-natal (nifas),
similarly she must take
permission from her husband to
sit in I’tikaf.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MALE &
FEMALE I’TIKAF
Q: Is there any difference
between a male and females
I’tikaf?
A: The same rules which apply
to a man observing I’tikaf in the
masjid, apply to a woman
observing I’tikaf in a place of
seclusion at home (according to
the Hanafis).
LADY DOES HER DOMESTIC
DUTIES IN I’TIKAF
Q: Can a woman do her
domestic duties whilst in
I’tikaf?
A: She can perform her
domestic duties in her room, eg.
cooking, ironing etc. This is only
according to the Hanafi scholars.
LEAVING MASJID WHILST IN
I’TIKAF
Q: Whilst performing I’tikaf,
forgetfully I left the masjid for
a few minutes, is my I’tikaf
valid?
A: According to the Hanafis the
I’tikaf is broken whilst the
majority of the scholars, namely,
Shafi’es, Malikis, Hanbalis, state
that the I’tikaf is valid.
QADHA OF I’TIKAF
Q: If ones I’tikaf broke then
how does one make qadha?
A: In the case of the Sunnah
I’tikaf, a person has to make one
days qadha from maghrib to
maghrib whilst fasting during the
day. Only the Hanafi scholars
state that qadha is compulsory.
This qadha can be kept during
Ramadhan or after Ramadhan.
START & END SUNNAH I’TIKAF
Q: What time does the I’tikaf
start and end during
Ramadhan?
A: The mu’takif (one who
observes I’tikaf) should enter the
masjid before sunset of the 20th
day of Ramadhan. He must
remain in the masjid until the
sighting of the Eid moon is
confirmed.
REASONS FOR LEAVING
MASJID DURING I’TIKAF
Q: What are valid reasons for
leaving the masjid during
I’tikaf?
A:
1. To answer the call of nature.
2. To pass wind.
3. To make wudhu.
4. To take an obligatory bath.
5. To proclaim the azan even if one
is not the muazzin.
UNDESIRABLE THINGS DURING
I’TIKAF
Q: Which things are
undesirable during I’tikaf?
A:
1. To maintain total silence
2. To indulge in idle talk
3. To sleep excessively merely to
pass time.
4. To unnecessarily pass wind inside
the Masjid.
5. To engage in any occupation, eg.
Teaching for a salary.
6. To read books which are not of a
deeni nature.
7. To waste time with cell-phones
etc.
PERMISSIBLE THINGS IN I’TIKAF
Q: Things that are permissible
during I’tikaf?
A:
1. Eating, drinking.
2. Sleeping
3. necessary conversation
4. to change clothes, to apply oil
and perfume.
5. To walk inside the masjid
6. To cut hair and nails – these
should not fall in the masjid.
7. To study deeni books.
JUMMAH BATH IN I’TIKAF
Q: Is it permissible to go to
the bathroom for a jummah
bath during I’tikaf?
A: During I’tikaf it is not
permissible for one to go for a
sunnat bath, like the Friday
ghusal. If one does so, then the
I’tikaf is broken.
WET DREAM IN I’TIKAF
Q: If one has a wet dream,
does it invalidate the I’tikaf?
A: Emission of semen in a wet
dream does not invalidate the
I’tikaf. However, as soon as he
realizes that he is in the state of
impurity, he should leave the
masjid immediately and perform
the fardh ghusal.
HUSBAND’S PERMISSION FOR
I’TIKAF
Q: I want to sit for I’tikaf
during the last ten days of
Ramadhan, do I need my
husband’s permission, and can
he and the children visit me?
A: It is compulsory for you to
obtain the permission of your
husband to sit in I’tikaf. Your
husband and children can visit
you, however your husband
cannot fondle and touch you
with lust etc.
CHILDREN IN I’TIKAF
Q: Is it permissible for
children to sit for I’tikaf?
A: The venue for I’tikaf is a
Masjid. Bulugh (puberty) is not a
condition for the validity of
I’tikaf. However, the children
must understand the meaning of
I’tikaf and must maintain the
sanctity of the Masjid. Nowadays,
some children sit for I’tikaf and
one finds a carnival atmosphere
prevailing in the masjid which is
not permissible.
WUDHU AT ALL TIMES IN
I’TIKAF
Q: Is it compulsory for the
mu’takif (person performing
I’tikaf) to remain in wudhu at
all times?
A: It is meritorious to remain in
wudhu as far as possible. If his
wudhu breaks, it will be
permissible for him to leave the
masjid for the purpose of
wudhu, even if it is not yet time
for salat. Similarly it will be
permissible for him to leave the
masjid to make wudhu at night
to enable him to sleep with
wudhu.
FAST BREAKS WHILST IN
I’TIKAF
Q: If someone’s fast breaks is
the I’tikaf valid?
A: It is a pre-requisite for the
validity of the I’tikaf that a
person must fast. Hence, if the
fast breaks, the I’tikaf is also
broken according to the Hanafis.
ERECTING CUBICLES FOR
I’TIKAF
Q: Kindly explain whether
erecting cubicles for I’tikaf is
necessary?
A: The purpose of I’tikaf is
seclusion in order to maximize
ones time in the worship of
Almighty Allah. Therefore, the
cubicle is conducive to the spirit
of I’tikaf. Nabi sallallahu alayhi
wa sallam had a cubicle made of
straw mats (Mirqaat, vol 4,page
329). However, if the cubicles are
causing inconvenience to the
musallees, then a portion of the
majsid should be cordoned of
for those performing I’tikaf
without erecting the cubicles.
I’TIKAF IN A MUSALLAH
Q: We wish to make I’tikaf in a
musallah (jamat khana), is it
valid to do so?
A: The venue for I’tikaf is valid in
a Masjid only. Almighty Allah
states: “Do not touch your wives
whilst you are in I’tikaf in the
Masajid.” (surah 2 verse 187)
Hence, for men to make I’tikaf in
a musallah is not valid. There is
consensus on this issue according
to all four schools.
CONDITIONS FOR I’TIKAF
Q: What are the conditions for
I’tikaf?
A: It must be a masjid. The
person must be a sane Muslim
and could be a minor or mature
adult. A female has to be free
from menses and post-natal.
Similarly she must take
permission from her husband to
sit in I’tikaf.
MOBILE PHONE DURING
I’TIKAF
Q: Is it permissible to use the
mobile phone during I’tikaf?
A: It is permissible to do so when
there is a need. However, if the
person left the boundary of the
masjid to make or receive a call
then his I’tikaf is broken.
Furthermore, it is not permissible
to disturb other people in the
masjid with the mobile.
Cognizance must be taken of the
fact that musical ring-tones are
haram.
BEST MASJID TO MAKE I’TIKAF
Q: Where is the best place to
sit for I’tikaf?
A: The best place for I’tikaf is the
Haram Shareef in Makka
Mukarrama, then Masjid Nabawi
in Madina Munawwara, then
masjid Al-Aqsa in Palestine,
thereafter all the masajid are
equal.
MUEZZIN RENDERS AZAN
FROM MINARET WHILE IN
I’TIKAF
Q: Is it permissible for the
muezzin, who is in I’tikaf to go
to the minaret to render the
azan?
A: It is permissible for the
muezzin to do so.
MU’TAKIF PROTRUDES HEAD
OUT OF WINDOW
Q: Can a person in I’tikaf put
his head out of the window of
the masjid?
A: It is permissible for the
mu’takif to protrude his head
out of the window, whilst
standing in the masjid.
JOIN BROTHERS IN I’TIKAF FOR
MEALS
Q: Can I join the brothers in
I’tikaf for iftar and meals?
A: A person who is not in I’tikaf
should not join the brother/s in
I’tikaf for iftar or meals unless he
also makes intention for I’tikaf.
This intention will be a nafil and
its duration can be for a minute.
He should engage in some zikr
and then join the brothers for
iftar or meals.
VISIT SICK OR PARTICIPATE IN
JANAZA WHEN IN I’TIKAF
Q: If one is sitting for I’tikaf, is
one allowed to participate in a
janaza salat or visit the sick?
A: If one is sitting for nafil I’tikaf,
then one may leave the masjid
for janaza salat, visit the sick or
take a bath to cool off etc.
However, if one is sitting for the
sunnah I’tikaf, during the last ten
days of Ramadhan then
according to the Hanafis it is not
permissible to leave the masjid
for a janaza salat or visit the ill
etc. If one does so then the
I’tikaf will be broken and qadha
will be compulsory. However,
according to the Shafi’es, it is
permissible to read the salatul
janaza as the janaza salat is read
in the masjid.
Q: When a person is about to
start his I’tikaf can he make a
condition that if somebody
passes away, he will go for
the janaza salat or visit the
sick. Are these conditions
permissible?
A: According to all the jurists it is
permissible in nafil (voluntary) or
wajib I’tikaf (when one takes a
vow). However, it is not
permissible in the sunnah I’tikaf
of Ramadhan, according to the
Hanafis. Imam Shafi’e RA allows
these type of conditions.
MOVE TO ANOTHER MASJID
WHILST IN I’TIKAF
Q: Is it permissible to move
from one masjid to another
whilst in I’tikaf?
A: It will nullify the I’tikaf if one
does so. However, if the masjid is
flooded or there is a natural
disaster etc. then to leave the
masjid for another masjid will be
permissible provided that one
goes straight to the other masjid.
Similarly, if one’s life is seriously
threatened, eg. criminals, then
for one to transfer to another
masjid will be acceptable.
For reference: Fathul Qadir by
Ibn Hummam RA, vol 3, page
111.
PERFORM I’TIKAF BUT NO
STRENGTH TO FAST
Q: I intend observing I’tfikaf
during the last ten days of
Ramadhan but do not have the
strength to fast, kindly advise?
A: Fasting is a condition for the
I’tikaf during the last ten days of
Ramadhan. Thus, I’tikaf without
fasting will be considered a nafil
I’tikaf. If you recover from your
weakness then qadha of the fast
is compulsory and if you are
suffering from a chronic ailment
then fidya will be compulsory
upon you.
NO ONE MADE THE SUNNAH
I’TIKAF IN TOWN
Q: In our town no one made
the sunnah I’tikaf, what is the
verdict?
A: According to the Hanafi
jurists, the I’tikaf during the last
ten days of Ramadhan is sunnat
muakkada alal kifaya. This refers
to an insisted sunnah which one
person can fulfil. However, if no
one performs it then everyone is
a sinner and repentance is
compulsory. Therefore, every
town must make arrangements
for someone to perform I’tikaf.
According to the Malikis,
Shafi’es, Hanbalis the I’tikaf is
sunnah. Thus, if someone
performs the I’tikaf then he/she
will be rewarded, but if no one
performs it, there is no sin upon
them.
PAY SOMEONE TO PERFORM
THE I’TIKAF
Q: Is it permissible to pay
someone to perform the
I’tikaf?
A: I’tikaf should be performed
for the love of Almighty Allah
and not for material gain. It is
not permissible to pay somebody
to sit for I’tikaf.
Ramadhan Q & A -By Mufti
Abdool Kader Hoosen
Courtesy of al-Islaah Publications
may Allah bless him and grant
him peace, used to do i’tikaf for
ten days every Ramadan. In the
year in which he died he did
i’tikaf for twenty days.” [al-
Bukhari]
‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with
her) reported that Allah’s
Messenger (may peace be upon
him) used to exert himself in
devotion during the last ten
nights to a greater extent than at
any other time. Bukhari 6:6:2644
The Prophet (Allah bless him &
give him peace) said, “Whoever
stands the nights of Ramadan in
prayer out of faith and seeking
reward shall have their previous
sins forgiven.” [Bukhari &
Muslim]
Ali Ibn Husain RA narrates from
his father that Rasullullah
sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said:
“He who observes the ten days
I’tikaf during Ramadhan will
obtain the thawaab of two Hajj
and two Umrah.” (Bayhaqi)
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbas RA
reported that Rasullullah
sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said:
“Whosoever for Allah’s sake did
even one days i’tikaf, Allah
would keep him away from
Jahannam by
trenches.” (Tabarani)
I’tikaf city documentary -- I don’t
understand this but amazing to
see the turn out for the i’tikaf
here.
Action Plan
Benefits of I’tikaf
I`tikaf is a means of great
reward. It says in the Fatawa
Hindiyya,
“Its excellence is obvious, for the
one make such a spiritual
retreat:
- Has submitted their entire
person to the worship of Allah
Most High;
- seeks closeness;
- distances themselves from the
worldly distractions that prevent
one from proximity;
- drowning their entire time in
actual or effective worship, for
the basis of its legislation is to
wait from one prayer time to the
next prayer in congregation;
- it also makes the one is retreat
resemble the angels who do not
disobey the command of Allah
and do what they are
commanded, while glorifying
Allah by night and day without
tiring…” [1.212]
Things permitted during
I`tikaf
Everything normally permissible,
besides sexual relations, is
permitted during i`tikaf, such as
eating, drinking, and talk (not
during day in ramadan).
What to do during i`tikaf
One should busy oneself with
the beneficial as much as one
meaningfully can, such as:
1. Voluntary prayer,
2. Reciting the Book of Allah,
with reflection, contemplation,
and passion,
3. Remembrance of Allah, in all
its forms,
4. Gaining beneficial knowledge,
and listening to inspiring religious
discourses (which is why it is wise
to make i`tikaf in a mosque with
people of learning, and good
company to inspire one towards
the good).
One should avoid simply wasting
time in things bereft of benefit,
let alone the haram, though
there is nothing wrong in taking
‘breaks’ in which one relaxes
with others, as a means of being
able to return to one’s worship
with vigor and devotion.
source : seekers guidance
WHAT SHOULD ONE DO
DURING I’TIKAF ?
Q: What should one do during
I’tikaf?
A:
1) One should engage oneself in
tilawat of Quran, durud and
salawat upon Nabi sallallahu
alayhi wa sallam, istighfar and
nafil salat.
2) He should abstain from all types
of sin and guard his ears, eyes,
heart, thus deriving maximum
benefit from the I’tikaf.
3) The mu’takif should remember
that he is the guest of Almighty
Allah, therefore he should be
extremely careful of his
behaviour in the House of
Almighty Allah.
4) The main objective of I’tikaf is to
seek Laylatul Qadr, therefore the
mu’takifin (brothers in I’tikaf)
should exert themselves during
the odd nights of Ramadhan.
INTENTION FOR SUNNAH
I’TIKAF
Q: In a sunnah I’tikaf during
the last ten days of
Ramadhan, how does one
make an intention?
A: Niyyat (intention) could be
done in the heart or verbally
expressed, eg. – O Allah I am
making I’tikaf for the last ten
days of Ramadhan.
BATH TO COOL OFF DURING
I’TIKAF
Q: Can one leave the Masjid to
take a bath just to cool off
during I’tikaf?
A: It is not permissible to do so
and the I’tikaf will be invalidated.
VENUE FOR FEMALE I’TIKAF
Q: Where should a female
make her I’tikaf?
A: According to the Shafi’es,
Malikis, Hanbalis, I’tikaf can only
be performed in the Masjid.
Hence, men will sit in the male
section whilst females will
perform their I’tikaf in the
female section of the masjid. It is
not permissible to perform I’tikaf
at home according to the above
mentioned scholars. However,
the Hanafi scholars state that it is
permissible for females to
perform their I’tikaf at home in a
place which is reserved for salat.
Cognizance must be taken of the
fact that women must not be in
menses or post-natal (nifas),
similarly she must take
permission from her husband to
sit in I’tikaf.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MALE &
FEMALE I’TIKAF
Q: Is there any difference
between a male and females
I’tikaf?
A: The same rules which apply
to a man observing I’tikaf in the
masjid, apply to a woman
observing I’tikaf in a place of
seclusion at home (according to
the Hanafis).
LADY DOES HER DOMESTIC
DUTIES IN I’TIKAF
Q: Can a woman do her
domestic duties whilst in
I’tikaf?
A: She can perform her
domestic duties in her room, eg.
cooking, ironing etc. This is only
according to the Hanafi scholars.
LEAVING MASJID WHILST IN
I’TIKAF
Q: Whilst performing I’tikaf,
forgetfully I left the masjid for
a few minutes, is my I’tikaf
valid?
A: According to the Hanafis the
I’tikaf is broken whilst the
majority of the scholars, namely,
Shafi’es, Malikis, Hanbalis, state
that the I’tikaf is valid.
QADHA OF I’TIKAF
Q: If ones I’tikaf broke then
how does one make qadha?
A: In the case of the Sunnah
I’tikaf, a person has to make one
days qadha from maghrib to
maghrib whilst fasting during the
day. Only the Hanafi scholars
state that qadha is compulsory.
This qadha can be kept during
Ramadhan or after Ramadhan.
START & END SUNNAH I’TIKAF
Q: What time does the I’tikaf
start and end during
Ramadhan?
A: The mu’takif (one who
observes I’tikaf) should enter the
masjid before sunset of the 20th
day of Ramadhan. He must
remain in the masjid until the
sighting of the Eid moon is
confirmed.
REASONS FOR LEAVING
MASJID DURING I’TIKAF
Q: What are valid reasons for
leaving the masjid during
I’tikaf?
A:
1. To answer the call of nature.
2. To pass wind.
3. To make wudhu.
4. To take an obligatory bath.
5. To proclaim the azan even if one
is not the muazzin.
UNDESIRABLE THINGS DURING
I’TIKAF
Q: Which things are
undesirable during I’tikaf?
A:
1. To maintain total silence
2. To indulge in idle talk
3. To sleep excessively merely to
pass time.
4. To unnecessarily pass wind inside
the Masjid.
5. To engage in any occupation, eg.
Teaching for a salary.
6. To read books which are not of a
deeni nature.
7. To waste time with cell-phones
etc.
PERMISSIBLE THINGS IN I’TIKAF
Q: Things that are permissible
during I’tikaf?
A:
1. Eating, drinking.
2. Sleeping
3. necessary conversation
4. to change clothes, to apply oil
and perfume.
5. To walk inside the masjid
6. To cut hair and nails – these
should not fall in the masjid.
7. To study deeni books.
JUMMAH BATH IN I’TIKAF
Q: Is it permissible to go to
the bathroom for a jummah
bath during I’tikaf?
A: During I’tikaf it is not
permissible for one to go for a
sunnat bath, like the Friday
ghusal. If one does so, then the
I’tikaf is broken.
WET DREAM IN I’TIKAF
Q: If one has a wet dream,
does it invalidate the I’tikaf?
A: Emission of semen in a wet
dream does not invalidate the
I’tikaf. However, as soon as he
realizes that he is in the state of
impurity, he should leave the
masjid immediately and perform
the fardh ghusal.
HUSBAND’S PERMISSION FOR
I’TIKAF
Q: I want to sit for I’tikaf
during the last ten days of
Ramadhan, do I need my
husband’s permission, and can
he and the children visit me?
A: It is compulsory for you to
obtain the permission of your
husband to sit in I’tikaf. Your
husband and children can visit
you, however your husband
cannot fondle and touch you
with lust etc.
CHILDREN IN I’TIKAF
Q: Is it permissible for
children to sit for I’tikaf?
A: The venue for I’tikaf is a
Masjid. Bulugh (puberty) is not a
condition for the validity of
I’tikaf. However, the children
must understand the meaning of
I’tikaf and must maintain the
sanctity of the Masjid. Nowadays,
some children sit for I’tikaf and
one finds a carnival atmosphere
prevailing in the masjid which is
not permissible.
WUDHU AT ALL TIMES IN
I’TIKAF
Q: Is it compulsory for the
mu’takif (person performing
I’tikaf) to remain in wudhu at
all times?
A: It is meritorious to remain in
wudhu as far as possible. If his
wudhu breaks, it will be
permissible for him to leave the
masjid for the purpose of
wudhu, even if it is not yet time
for salat. Similarly it will be
permissible for him to leave the
masjid to make wudhu at night
to enable him to sleep with
wudhu.
FAST BREAKS WHILST IN
I’TIKAF
Q: If someone’s fast breaks is
the I’tikaf valid?
A: It is a pre-requisite for the
validity of the I’tikaf that a
person must fast. Hence, if the
fast breaks, the I’tikaf is also
broken according to the Hanafis.
ERECTING CUBICLES FOR
I’TIKAF
Q: Kindly explain whether
erecting cubicles for I’tikaf is
necessary?
A: The purpose of I’tikaf is
seclusion in order to maximize
ones time in the worship of
Almighty Allah. Therefore, the
cubicle is conducive to the spirit
of I’tikaf. Nabi sallallahu alayhi
wa sallam had a cubicle made of
straw mats (Mirqaat, vol 4,page
329). However, if the cubicles are
causing inconvenience to the
musallees, then a portion of the
majsid should be cordoned of
for those performing I’tikaf
without erecting the cubicles.
I’TIKAF IN A MUSALLAH
Q: We wish to make I’tikaf in a
musallah (jamat khana), is it
valid to do so?
A: The venue for I’tikaf is valid in
a Masjid only. Almighty Allah
states: “Do not touch your wives
whilst you are in I’tikaf in the
Masajid.” (surah 2 verse 187)
Hence, for men to make I’tikaf in
a musallah is not valid. There is
consensus on this issue according
to all four schools.
CONDITIONS FOR I’TIKAF
Q: What are the conditions for
I’tikaf?
A: It must be a masjid. The
person must be a sane Muslim
and could be a minor or mature
adult. A female has to be free
from menses and post-natal.
Similarly she must take
permission from her husband to
sit in I’tikaf.
MOBILE PHONE DURING
I’TIKAF
Q: Is it permissible to use the
mobile phone during I’tikaf?
A: It is permissible to do so when
there is a need. However, if the
person left the boundary of the
masjid to make or receive a call
then his I’tikaf is broken.
Furthermore, it is not permissible
to disturb other people in the
masjid with the mobile.
Cognizance must be taken of the
fact that musical ring-tones are
haram.
BEST MASJID TO MAKE I’TIKAF
Q: Where is the best place to
sit for I’tikaf?
A: The best place for I’tikaf is the
Haram Shareef in Makka
Mukarrama, then Masjid Nabawi
in Madina Munawwara, then
masjid Al-Aqsa in Palestine,
thereafter all the masajid are
equal.
MUEZZIN RENDERS AZAN
FROM MINARET WHILE IN
I’TIKAF
Q: Is it permissible for the
muezzin, who is in I’tikaf to go
to the minaret to render the
azan?
A: It is permissible for the
muezzin to do so.
MU’TAKIF PROTRUDES HEAD
OUT OF WINDOW
Q: Can a person in I’tikaf put
his head out of the window of
the masjid?
A: It is permissible for the
mu’takif to protrude his head
out of the window, whilst
standing in the masjid.
JOIN BROTHERS IN I’TIKAF FOR
MEALS
Q: Can I join the brothers in
I’tikaf for iftar and meals?
A: A person who is not in I’tikaf
should not join the brother/s in
I’tikaf for iftar or meals unless he
also makes intention for I’tikaf.
This intention will be a nafil and
its duration can be for a minute.
He should engage in some zikr
and then join the brothers for
iftar or meals.
VISIT SICK OR PARTICIPATE IN
JANAZA WHEN IN I’TIKAF
Q: If one is sitting for I’tikaf, is
one allowed to participate in a
janaza salat or visit the sick?
A: If one is sitting for nafil I’tikaf,
then one may leave the masjid
for janaza salat, visit the sick or
take a bath to cool off etc.
However, if one is sitting for the
sunnah I’tikaf, during the last ten
days of Ramadhan then
according to the Hanafis it is not
permissible to leave the masjid
for a janaza salat or visit the ill
etc. If one does so then the
I’tikaf will be broken and qadha
will be compulsory. However,
according to the Shafi’es, it is
permissible to read the salatul
janaza as the janaza salat is read
in the masjid.
Q: When a person is about to
start his I’tikaf can he make a
condition that if somebody
passes away, he will go for
the janaza salat or visit the
sick. Are these conditions
permissible?
A: According to all the jurists it is
permissible in nafil (voluntary) or
wajib I’tikaf (when one takes a
vow). However, it is not
permissible in the sunnah I’tikaf
of Ramadhan, according to the
Hanafis. Imam Shafi’e RA allows
these type of conditions.
MOVE TO ANOTHER MASJID
WHILST IN I’TIKAF
Q: Is it permissible to move
from one masjid to another
whilst in I’tikaf?
A: It will nullify the I’tikaf if one
does so. However, if the masjid is
flooded or there is a natural
disaster etc. then to leave the
masjid for another masjid will be
permissible provided that one
goes straight to the other masjid.
Similarly, if one’s life is seriously
threatened, eg. criminals, then
for one to transfer to another
masjid will be acceptable.
For reference: Fathul Qadir by
Ibn Hummam RA, vol 3, page
111.
PERFORM I’TIKAF BUT NO
STRENGTH TO FAST
Q: I intend observing I’tfikaf
during the last ten days of
Ramadhan but do not have the
strength to fast, kindly advise?
A: Fasting is a condition for the
I’tikaf during the last ten days of
Ramadhan. Thus, I’tikaf without
fasting will be considered a nafil
I’tikaf. If you recover from your
weakness then qadha of the fast
is compulsory and if you are
suffering from a chronic ailment
then fidya will be compulsory
upon you.
NO ONE MADE THE SUNNAH
I’TIKAF IN TOWN
Q: In our town no one made
the sunnah I’tikaf, what is the
verdict?
A: According to the Hanafi
jurists, the I’tikaf during the last
ten days of Ramadhan is sunnat
muakkada alal kifaya. This refers
to an insisted sunnah which one
person can fulfil. However, if no
one performs it then everyone is
a sinner and repentance is
compulsory. Therefore, every
town must make arrangements
for someone to perform I’tikaf.
According to the Malikis,
Shafi’es, Hanbalis the I’tikaf is
sunnah. Thus, if someone
performs the I’tikaf then he/she
will be rewarded, but if no one
performs it, there is no sin upon
them.
PAY SOMEONE TO PERFORM
THE I’TIKAF
Q: Is it permissible to pay
someone to perform the
I’tikaf?
A: I’tikaf should be performed
for the love of Almighty Allah
and not for material gain. It is
not permissible to pay somebody
to sit for I’tikaf.
Ramadhan Q & A -By Mufti
Abdool Kader Hoosen
Courtesy of al-Islaah Publications
I'tikaf
I`tikaf in the last ten days of
Ramadan in the Masjid (mosque)
is a beautiful tradition of the
Prophet (peace and blessings be
upon him). It is like a spiritual
retreat. It is reported by `A’ishah
(may Allah be pleased with her)
that the Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) used to
observe I`tikaf during the last
ten days of the month of
Ramadan and he continued this
practice until his death. After
him, his wives carried on this
practice of observing I`tikaf
regularly. (Reported by Al-
Bukhari and Muslim)
It is recommended that every
Muslim make at least one I`tikaf
in his/ her life. There must be at
least few people in every
community who should do it in
every Masjid every year to keep
this tradition alive. Men should
do I`tikaf in the Masjid so that
they can pray in Jama`ah
(congregation) and also offer the
Friday prayers. Women can also
do I`tikaf, but theirs must be at
home for reasons of modesty
and for their own convenience.
There is a great blessing in
I`tikaf and people who do it
bring blessings upon themselves,
upon their families, and upon
the Muslim community at large.
The Sunnah of I`tikaf is that one
make the intention and begin
the I`tikaf on the evening of the
20th of Ramadan from sunset
time and continue until the
sighting of the moon for `Edul-
Fitr. During I`tikaf men should
stay in the Masjid day and night
and should not leave it except
for the use of toilet or shower.
They are allowed to eat also
inside the Masjid, but if it is not
convenient they may go outside
and come back as soon as they
finish.
During I`tikaf one should spend
most of one’s time in prayer,
reading the Qur’an, dhikr, and
reflection. Engaging in business
and other worldly conversation
and activities is not allowed
during I`tikaf. However,
attending a Janazah (Funeral) or
visiting a sick person or leaving
for any emergency is permissible.
Ramadan in the Masjid (mosque)
is a beautiful tradition of the
Prophet (peace and blessings be
upon him). It is like a spiritual
retreat. It is reported by `A’ishah
(may Allah be pleased with her)
that the Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) used to
observe I`tikaf during the last
ten days of the month of
Ramadan and he continued this
practice until his death. After
him, his wives carried on this
practice of observing I`tikaf
regularly. (Reported by Al-
Bukhari and Muslim)
It is recommended that every
Muslim make at least one I`tikaf
in his/ her life. There must be at
least few people in every
community who should do it in
every Masjid every year to keep
this tradition alive. Men should
do I`tikaf in the Masjid so that
they can pray in Jama`ah
(congregation) and also offer the
Friday prayers. Women can also
do I`tikaf, but theirs must be at
home for reasons of modesty
and for their own convenience.
There is a great blessing in
I`tikaf and people who do it
bring blessings upon themselves,
upon their families, and upon
the Muslim community at large.
The Sunnah of I`tikaf is that one
make the intention and begin
the I`tikaf on the evening of the
20th of Ramadan from sunset
time and continue until the
sighting of the moon for `Edul-
Fitr. During I`tikaf men should
stay in the Masjid day and night
and should not leave it except
for the use of toilet or shower.
They are allowed to eat also
inside the Masjid, but if it is not
convenient they may go outside
and come back as soon as they
finish.
During I`tikaf one should spend
most of one’s time in prayer,
reading the Qur’an, dhikr, and
reflection. Engaging in business
and other worldly conversation
and activities is not allowed
during I`tikaf. However,
attending a Janazah (Funeral) or
visiting a sick person or leaving
for any emergency is permissible.
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