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.