Islamic Teachings on I’tikaf
In the last ten days of the blessed month of Ramadan, it is considered Sunnah Mu’akkadah ‘Alal Kifayah (a confirmed Sunnah that is collective in responsibility) for men to perform I’tikaf in the mosque. If Muslims collectively abandon this Sunnah, they will all be considered sinners. However, if a few individuals from the community undertake this Sunnah, since it is Sunnah Mu’akkadah ‘Alal Kifayah, the I’tikaf of a few individuals or even one Muslim will suffice on behalf of everyone. If no one sits in I’tikaf, then all will be deemed culprits in the sight of Allah Almighty.
The Time for Sunnah I’tikaf
The time for the Sunnah I’tikaf starts from just before the sunset of the 20th day of Ramadan until the sighting of the Eid moon. Whether the moon is sighted on the 29th or the 30th of Ramadan, the Sunnah I’tikaf is considered complete in all situations. If someone enters the mosque for I’tikaf after the sunset of the 20th of Ramadan, then their I’tikaf will not be considered as Sunnah I’tikaf.
Conditions for the Correctness of I’tikaf
For the Sunnah I’tikaf to be correct, the following conditions are necessary:
1. Being Muslim.
2. Being of sound mind, however, reaching puberty is not a condition for men and women, but even a discerning minor can perform I’tikaf correctly.
3. Intending to perform I’tikaf.
4. A man performing I’tikaf in the mosque.
5. Men and women being free from major ritual impurity, i.e., the state requiring a mandatory bath (this condition is for the legality of I’tikaf, hence, if someone begins I’tikaf in a state of major ritual impurity, the I’tikaf would still be valid but that person would be sinful).
6. Women being free from menstruation and postnatal bleeding.
7. Being in a state of fasting (Fasting is also a condition for obligatory I’tikaf and Sunnah Mu’akkadah I’tikaf. For voluntary I’tikaf, fasting is not a condition. If someone cannot fast for a day during Sunnah I’tikaf or if the fast is broken for some reason, then the Sunnah I’tikaf will be invalidated, and making up for that day’s I’tikaf becomes obligatory).
Things that Invalidate the I’tikaf
The very first thing that invalidates the I’tikaf is leaving the mosque without a valid reason, even if it’s just for a minute. During the period of I’tikaf, exiting the mosque is not permissible except for necessities, whether they are natural necessities or religious necessities. Natural necessities include: defecation, urination, cleansing oneself (istinja), performing ablution (wudu), and if needed, taking a mandatory bath (ghusl), etc.
- One should choose the nearest restroom for urination or defecation.
- If there is an attached restroom to the mosque and using it is not problematic, then one should fulfill their needs there; if not, it is permissible to go further away, even if it requires going some distance.
- If the restroom is occupied, waiting is permissible; however, it is not allowed to stay there any longer than necessary after finishing.
- It is permissible to engage in brief conversations when going to or returning from fulfilling one’s needs, provided that this does not lead to unnecessary delays.
Religious necessities, for example: going to another mosque for Friday prayers if it is not held in this mosque, or leaving the mosque to call to prayer (adhan) if there is no arrangement for it inside, such as going to a minaret, etc. Nowadays, since places for calling adhan are usually established inside mosques, there is generally no issue in giving adhan.
Apart from the mandatory bath, leaving the mosque for other baths, like the one for the day of Friday or to cool off from heat, is not allowed. To avoid heat, the mosque should be equipped with suitable amenities like air conditioning, water coolers, etc. One can manage by wiping the body with a towel soaked in cold water. Similarly, one can sit in a large basin or container within the mosque boundaries and pour water over oneself. Or, in a case of extreme necessity, when going to the restroom to relieve oneself, one can remove clothes like the shirt within the mosque boundaries, and quickly return to the mosque after pouring a few pitchers of water over oneself within the time it would have taken to cleanse oneself.
The Second Thing That Breaks I’tikaf
Sexual intercourse and those causes leading to ejaculation. The third thing is becoming insane or unconscious, provided that the unconsciousness or insanity lasts for more than two days.
Permissible Acts During I’tikaf
Eating and drinking (provided that the mosque is not dirtied) Sleeping, speaking when necessary, changing clothes, performing one’s own or someone else’s marriage, or any other contract, applying perfume, oil, washing dishes, etc., a woman breastfeeding children during I’tikaf. Using bedding as needed, combing (provided that the mosque’s mats and carpets, etc., are not damaged, a thick cloth should be spread out), prohibitions and disliked acts during I’tikaf include unnecessary talking. Bringing excess belongings into the mosque and scattering them. Improper use of the mosque’s electricity, gas, and water, etc. Smoking cigarettes or hookah in the mosque. Bringing, keeping, reading, or listening to obscene or useless and false stories, literature, pictures, newspapers, magazines, or false news against Islam while in I’tikaf. Making and getting a haircut for a wage, but if someone needs a haircut and there is no one available to do it without charge, then it is permissible to have someone outside the mosque do it while the person remains inside the mosque. During I’tikaf, remembering Allah (ﷺ) and the order of worship and reciting the Holy Quran as much as possible. The third kalima, which is:
سبحان الله، الحمد لله، الله أكبر، لا اله الا الله، لا حول ولا قوة الا بالله
The recitation of morning and evening, ‘Astaghfirullah’ (I seek forgiveness from Allah), Durood Shareef, Ayat-e-Kareema and
سبحان الله وبحمده سبحان الله العظیم
Continue to glorify the Almighty. And also take care to perform all the supererogatory prayers: Tahajjud, Ishraq, Chasht, Awwabin, and Salat al-Tasbih. If you know how to read, you can also study religious texts.
May Allah guide you to the right path.
