A Complete Introduction of I’tikaf | All You Need to Know

 I’tikaf means sticking and adhering to, or being regular in something. I’tikaf is an Islamic practice that is held in the mosques for male Muslims. They devote their time and energy only for Allah Almighty in performing Ibadah (praying). Many Muslims perform I’tikaf in Makkah and Madinah by last 10 days Ramadan Umrah packages.

Types of I’tikaf

There are three types of I’tikaf that you can perform.

Sunnah I’tikaf: this type of I’tikaf is performed in the last ten days of Ramadan. Our Holy Prophet (PBUH) practiced I’tikaf until He died. It is considered as Sunnah.

Nafl I’tikaf: this I’tikaf is performed at any time of the year. It is considered as voluntary I’tikaf.

Wajib I’tikaf: if you had made a promise to Allah Almighty of performing I’tikaf if He (SWT) fulfils your desire then it is compulsory (Wajib) for you to perform I’tikaf. 

Ibadah (Praying)

All the good deeds that are considered as Ibadah can be performed during I’tikaf period. Some of the following actions are recommended in I’tikaf:

• Reciting Quran
• Reciting Daroo
• Learning about Islam
• Making the maximum of Dua’s
• Talking about the righteous and good things
• Asking forgiveness from Allah Almighty
• Sitting idle and considering it as Ibadah is not valid

Leaving your place during I’tikaf

You can leave your place of I’tikaf only for authentic reasons like going to your restroom, performing Ghusl (Purification bath), for Friday prayer, to get something very necessary, or if you are a Muazzin and have to call Athan (Call Prayer).

Things Forbidden in I’tikaf

• Purchasing or selling goods in the mosque
• Fighting with someone
• Foul talking
• Interrupting other persons in I’tikaf around you
• Carrying too many items
• Actions That Invalidate Your I’tikaf
• Walking out for some need and staying even after fulfilling your need
• Leaving your place of I’tikaf without any authentic reason
• Having undesired company in your I’tikaf period

Attending Funeral Prayer (Namaz-e-Janazah)

If a person had made an intention to attend the funerals of any person if happens during I’tikaf he may go to that prayer. If he had not made any kind of intention regarding the funeral prayers he will remain in his place of I’tikaf.

The time period of I’tikaf

If one wants to perform I’tikaf then he/she should start his I’tikaf with the Maghrib Prayer of the 20th of Ramadan. After that, the period of I’tikaf will begin until the rise of the moon of Eid-ul-Fitr. You can also perform I’tikaf in either Makkah or Madinah by booking through the best Umrah agents UK.

How Many Modifications Have Been Made Since The Kaaba Built?

The most religious building among Muslims is the Holy Kaaba. It has been modified at different occasions in history. The Kaaba that we see in your Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage has not been the same since it was created. You can see the latest view of the Holy Kaaba and the Grand Mosque by booking good Umrah package deals.

Here I will mention about the modifications that had been made in the structure of the Holy Kaaba from the rule of 2nd caliph Umar (RA) till the last modification. All of the modifications have been listed here:

First Modification

During the reign of Hazrat Umar (RA), that was the second caliph of Islam, in the year (634-44CE). The caliph decided to extend the area of Masjid-al-Haram to manage the growing number of pilgrims. It was the first modification after Muhammad’s (PBUH) era.

Second Modification

When the third caliph Hazrat Uthman (RA) took charge in 644 CE He (RA) also made some modification around the Holy Kaaba. He built several pillars surrounding the courtyard of the Holy Kaaba. He (RA) also incorporated other important monuments into the sanctuary.

Third Modification

In 683 CE, this is the year when the civil war was happening between Abd al-Malik and Ibn Zubayr, the Kaaba was set to be on fire. The Black Stone was also broken into three pieces during that time. Ibn Zubayr assembled it again with silver. He rebuilt the Kaaba with wood and stone according to the original dimension of Ibrahim (AS). He also levelled the surface around the Kaaba. After Abd al-Malik regained the control of Makkah, he restored the part of the building that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is thought to have designed.

Note: the above mentioned modification cannot be confirmed by the study of the building or by any archaeological evidence. These changes are only mentioned in the later literary sources.

Fourth Modification

Umayyad caliph al-Walid ruled from 705 CE to 715 CE. He added some modification in the mosque that surrounds the Kaaba. He decorated the mosque with mosaics like Dome of Rock and Great Mosque of Damascus.

In the seventh century, the Holy Kaaba was covered by the black cloth named Kiswah. The kiswah is changed every year during the days of Hajj.

Fifth Modification

During the early Abbasid Caliphs that ruled from 750-1250 CE. The mosque around the Holy Kaaba has been modified and expanded several times.

Sixth Modification

From 1468-96 CE Sultan Qaitbay ruled over Saudi Arabia. He built a madrasa-a religious school-at one side of the mosque. During the rule of Suleyman I and Suleyman II, the school building was renovated greatly.

Seventh Modification

In 1631 CE the Holy Kaaba and the mosque were entirely rebuilt because the flood had destroyed it in the last previous year. This is how the structure we see today came into existence after several modifications.

Eighth Modification

Saudi authorities made the last modification in the structure of the mosque to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims day by day. This was made in 1950. Today the current structure of mosque covered about 40 acres of the land piece.

In 1982 the gate of Kaaba was replaced with a solid gate that is made up of gold. The earlier gate was made up of silver. Every year millions of pilgrims perform Hajj and Umrah by Umrah agents UK. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter Makkah and Madinah.