I'tikaf — Spiritual Retreat in the Mosque

I'tikaf is the practice of spiritual seclusion in the mosque, dedicating oneself entirely to the worship of Allah. The mu'takif (one performing i'tikaf) remains in the mosque, spending their time in prayer, Quran recitation, dhikr, and supplication. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) performed i'tikaf regularly in the last ten days of Ramadan, and in the year of his death, he performed it for twenty days (Sahih al-Bukhari). Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: "The Prophet used to perform i'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until he passed away" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Types and Duration

I'tikaf can be obligatory (if one makes a vow to perform it), sunnah (the last ten days of Ramadan, following the Prophet's practice), or voluntary (any amount of time spent in the mosque with the intention of i'tikaf). The minimum duration is disputed: the Hanafi school requires at least one day and night, the Maliki school requires at least one day, the Shafi'i school allows any amount of time (even brief), and the Hanbali school considers any time spent in the mosque with the intention of i'tikaf as valid, though a full day is recommended.

Conditions

I'tikaf must be performed in a mosque. The majority of scholars require it to be a mosque where the five daily prayers are held in congregation. Women may perform i'tikaf in the mosque as well, and some scholars allow them to perform it in a designated prayer area of their home (the Hanafi school permits this). The person must be Muslim, sane, and free from major ritual impurity. Fasting is a condition of i'tikaf according to the Maliki school, but the majority do not require it (though fasting is natural during Ramadan i'tikaf).

What Is Permitted and Prohibited

The mu'takif may leave the mosque only for essential needs: using the bathroom, eating if food cannot be brought to the mosque, and performing ghusl. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would only leave his i'tikaf for human necessity (Sahih al-Bukhari). Marital relations are strictly prohibited: "And do not have relations with them as long as you are performing i'tikaf in the mosques" (Quran 2:187). Normal conversation, eating in the mosque, and sleeping are all permissible. Visiting the sick and attending funerals would break the i'tikaf unless the person made a condition for it at the start.

The Wisdom of I'tikaf

I'tikaf represents the ultimate disconnection from worldly distractions and total devotion to Allah. In a world filled with noise and obligations, i'tikaf offers the Muslim a rare opportunity for uninterrupted worship. The last ten nights of Ramadan contain Laylat al-Qadr, and the Prophet's i'tikaf was specifically aimed at catching this blessed night. By spending these nights in the mosque, the mu'takif ensures they witness Laylat al-Qadr in a state of worship. It is a time for spiritual renewal, self-examination, repentance, and drawing closer to Allah through sustained devotion.