What Is I'tikaf and What Is Its Ruling?

I'tikaf is the Nurturing of Body and Soul
Fasting, which is itself a valuable act of worship, is a condition for I'tikaf. Presence in the mosque and the performance of prayers are also among its essential conditions. Stay with us as we explore more about it.

I'tikaf: A Chance to Cleanse the Soul
I'tikaf is an opportunity to cleanse oneself from the stains of sin, struggle against the ego, illuminate the heart, and purify the spirit. It is the most prominent manifestation of servitude before God. The tradition of I'tikaf has existed among Muslims for many generations.
During I'tikaf, a person retreats from worldly attachments into a secluded space, away from material distractions, and engages in intimate supplication with their Creator to remove the rust and darkness from their soul.

The Truth and Meaning of I'tikaf
The word I'tikaf comes from the root word ‘akafa, which in language means turning toward and remaining with something out of reverence. In Islamic law, it refers to staying in a mosque with the intention of spiritual closeness to God.
A comprehensive definition of I'tikaf is: "Remaining in a mosque for a minimum of three days with the intention of worship while observing the necessary conditions."

Essential Elements (Pillars) of I'tikaf
These are acts that, if deliberately or mistakenly left out, render the I'tikaf invalid:

1. Intention (niyyah)

2. Staying in a central mosque or one of the four well-known mosques

3. The duration must not be less than three days

4. Fasting during the days of I'tikaf

Types of I'tikaf
I'tikaf is of two types: Recommended (mustahabb) and Obligatory (wajib). It is originally a recommended act but can become obligatory due to a vow, oath, or pledge.
For example, a person may vow, make an oath, or pledge that if a wish is granted or they are cured of an illness, they will perform I'tikaf for a certain number of days.

Time for I'tikaf
I'tikaf is valid at any time during the year when one can stay in the mosque for at least three days and fast. However, the best time is during the holy month of Ramadan, especially in the last ten days.

Philosophy and Effects of I'tikaf
To flee from worldly distractions and sinful desires, humans often seek solitude to reflect on God's creation with a heart full of contemplation and eyes filled with tears, cleansing their inner selves of sin and illuminating their hearts with God's presence.
I'tikaf provides this spiritual retreat and a chance to focus inward, allowing the light of divine love to shine through the depths of the soul—free from daily worries and distractions.

Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said:
“It is written in the Torah: O son of Adam! Make time for My worship so I may fill your heart with richness, fulfill your needs without you asking, and take it upon Myself to satisfy your wants.”

Conditions for the Person Performing I'tikaf

1. Sanity (not valid for the insane)

2. Faith (not valid from a non-believer)

3. Pure intention (any form of hypocrisy invalidates the I'tikaf)

4. Fasting during the days of I'tikaf

5. Permission from those whose consent is necessary, such as a child from parents

Conditions of I'tikaf

1. The duration must not be less than three days

2. It must take place in a mosque

3. Continuity in staying in the mosque, with no unnecessary exits

I'tikaf in the Qur'an
The root word ‘akafa appears nine times in the Qur’an, two of which relate specifically to those who remain in the mosque for worship. These verses establish the legitimacy of I'tikaf:

• "And We made a covenant with Abraham and Ishmael to purify My House for those who perform Tawaf, stay in retreat (I’tikaf), and those who bow and prostrate in prayer." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 125)

• "Do not approach your wives while you are in retreat in the mosques. These are the limits set by Allah, so do not go near them." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 187)

The Intention of I'tikaf

1. Like all acts of worship, I'tikaf must be done with the intention of seeking closeness to God. Any intention other than this invalidates it.

2. One does not need to specify whether the I'tikaf is obligatory or recommended in their intention.

3. The intention must remain throughout the period of I'tikaf. Simply being present in the mosque from the start of the day (dawn) with this intention is sufficient.

Fasting During I'tikaf

1. Fasting is mandatory during the days of I'tikaf. Thus, someone who is traveling, ill, or intentionally not fasting cannot perform I'tikaf.

2. The fast does not have to be specifically for I'tikaf; it can be a qada (make-up) fast or a vow.

3. One may vow to fast even while traveling, and according to some jurists, this makes the I'tikaf valid.

Place of I'tikaf

1. I'tikaf is valid only in certain mosques. It is not valid in a home, a husayniyyah (congregation hall), or even a shrine. Valid mosques include:

   • Masjid al-Haram (Mecca)

   • Masjid al-Nabawi (Medina)

   • The Grand Mosque of Kufa

   • The Mosque of Basra

   • Any central mosque of a city (with the intention of seeking divine reward)

2. If someone unlawfully occupies another’s space or sits on something that was usurped, while this is sinful, it does not invalidate the I'tikaf.

Legal Rulings of I'tikaf

• I'tikaf is valid only in specific mosques listed above.

• It must last at least three days. Less than that is not acceptable. There is no upper limit to the duration, but if a person observes five days, they must complete the sixth; and as a precaution, if two extra days are added, a third must follow. So if someone stays for eight days, the ninth becomes obligatory.

• The person must fast during the days of I'tikaf; if fasting is not possible, the I'tikaf is invalid.