I`tikaf (seclusion in the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan) is for the completion of the benefits of fasting. If a person has remained denied of inner peace and tranquility and has been unable to concentrate on prayer and supplication during the earlier part of Ramadan, he can make amends for it through i`tikaf.
In Zad Al-Ma`ad, the prominent scholar Ibn Al-Qayyim says—
The basic purpose of i`tikaf is that the heart gets attached to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, and, with it, one attains inner composure and equanimity; preoccupation with the mundane things of life ceases, and the state is reached in which all fears, hopes, and apprehensions are superseded by the love and remembrance of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala; every anxiety is transformed into the anxiety for Him; every thought and feeling is blended with the eagerness to gain His nearness and to earn His good favor, and devotion to the Almighty is generated instead of devotion to the world. This is the provision for the grave where there will be neither a friend nor a helper. This is the high aim and purpose of i`tikaf, which is the specialty of the most sublime part of Ramadan, that is, the last ten days.
Similarly, Shah Waliullah remarks in his Hujjatullahi Al-Balighah—
Since i`tikaf in the mosque is a means to the attainment of peace of mind and purification of the heart, and it affords an excellent opportunity for forging an identity with the angels and having a share in the blissfulness of Laylat Al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), and for devoting oneself to prayer and meditation, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala has set apart the last ten days of the month of Ramadan for it and made it a sunnah for His pious and virtuous slaves.
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) always observed i`tikaf and the Muslims have, on the whole, adhered to it. `A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) relates that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) regularly observed i`tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan till the end of his life. After him, his wives carried on this practice of observing I`tikaf regularly. (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
It is related by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) observed i`tikaf for ten days every year in the month of Ramadan. In the year of his death he did it for twenty days (Al-Bukhari).
It is recommended that every Muslim make at least one I`tikaf in his/ her life. There must be at least few people in every community who should do it in every Masjid every year to keep this tradition alive. Men should do I`tikaf in the Masjid so that they can pray in Jama`ah (congregation) and also offer the Friday prayers. Women can also do I`tikaf, but theirs must be at home for reasons of modesty and for their own convenience. There is a great blessing in I`tikaf and people who do it bring blessings upon themselves, upon their families, and upon the Muslim community at large.
The Sunnah of I`tikaf is that one make the intention and begin the I`tikaf on the evening of the 20th of Ramadan from sunset time and continue until the sighting of the moon for `Edul-Fitr. During I`tikaf men should stay in the Masjid day and night and should not leave it except for the use of toilet or shower. They are allowed to eat also inside the Masjid, but if it is not convenient they may go outside and come back as soon as they finish.
During I`tikaf one should spend most of one’s time in prayer, reading the Qur’an, dhikr, and reflection. Engaging in business and other worldly conversation and activities is not allowed during I`tikaf. However, attending a Janazah (Funeral) or visiting a sick person or leaving for any emergency is permissible.
By Sheikh Abu Al-Hasan `Ali Nadvi
With Best Wishes
www.waytoquran.tk
