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.