Prayer TimesThe word "itikaf" means to stay in a specific place and restrict oneself. In Islamic law, it refers to staying in a mosque with the intention of worship. Women perform itikaf at home.
There are three types of itikaf: mustahabb, sunnah muakkadah (confirmed sunnah), and wajib.
Mustahabb itikaf can be performed at any time. A Muslim enters the mosque with the intention of itikaf and engages in worship. This type of itikaf is not limited to a specific period. Its duration can be from one to several days, or even just a few hours. It is preferable for a person in mustahabb itikaf to fast.
Sunnah muakkadah itikaf is performed during the last ten days of Ramadan. Initially, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to observe itikaf for ten days in the middle of Ramadan, and then for the last ten days. He continued this practice until the end of his life. After him, his wives also performed itikaf (Bukhari, Muslim). However, during the last ten days of Ramadan, it is permissible to stay in the mosque for at least one day, from dawn to sunset, with the intention of worship.
Wajib itikaf becomes obligatory when a person makes a vow. For example, if a Muslim says, "I swear by Allah, I will perform itikaf on this day," or "If I recover from my illness, I will definitely perform itikaf," then he is required to fulfill this promise. According to the Hanafi madhhab, fasting is obligatory during wajib itikaf.
A person observing itikaf in the mosque prays, recites the Qur'an, studies religion, engages in dhikr, reads books, listens to sermons, eats, and spends the night there. Engaging in worldly activities and talking about worldly matters is considered makruh. One may leave the mosque only for necessities such as using the restroom or performing ablution.
Some scholars permit men to perform itikaf at home if they are paralyzed or under compulsion. In the current emergency situation, if it is allowed to perform itikaf in the mosque, it should be done there. Otherwise, it can be performed at home.
Hasan AMANKUL,
Deputy Head of the Sharia and Fatwa Department,
"Munara" Newspaper, No. 9, 2020
This content was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by an editor.