Itikaf is a spiritual retreat in Islam where a person isolates themselves in a mosque for dedicated worship, prayer, and reflection, especially during the last ten days of Ramadan. It is a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and offers immense spiritual rewards, including seeking Laylatul Qadr. Itikaf helps Muslims strengthen their connection with Allah, engage in Quran recitation, and purify their hearts from worldly distractions.
Itikaf Meaning in English
Itikaf is an Arabic term that means “spiritual retreat” or “seclusion” in English. It refers to the act of isolating oneself in a mosque to devote time to worship, prayer, and reflection. This practice is highly recommended in Islam, especially during the last ten days of Ramadan.
When is Itikaf in 2025?
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged observing Itikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan. In 2025, Itikaf is expected to begin on the evening of March 19th after Maghrib. However, the exact date may vary based on your location.
What is Itikaf in Ramadan?
Itikaf during Ramadan is a special form of worship where Muslims dedicate themselves to prayer and devotion, seeking closeness to Allah. It is typically performed during the last ten days of Ramadan, allowing individuals to disconnect from worldly distractions and focus entirely on ibadah (worship), Quran recitation, and dua (supplication).
Types of Itikaf
There are three main types of Itikaf in Islam:
- Sunnah Itikaf – Observed during the last ten days of Ramadan, following the practice of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- Nafl Itikaf – A voluntary form of seclusion that can be performed at any time of the year.
- Wajib Itikaf – A mandatory Itikaf performed as an oath or vow made to Allah.
Why Should We Perform Itikaf?
Performing Itikaf has numerous spiritual benefits, including:
- Strengthening the connection with Allah.
- Enhancing spiritual growth and devotion.
- Increasing focus on prayer, Quran recitation, and self-reflection.
- Seeking Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power), which is more rewarding than a thousand months of worship.
What Are the Rules of Itikaf?
To observe Itikaf correctly, one must follow these rules:
- Intention (Niyyah) – A clear intention must be made for Itikaf.
- Location – Itikaf must be performed in a mosque for men. Women can observe Itikaf at home in a designated prayer space.
- Time Commitment – The individual should remain in the mosque for the entire duration, only leaving for necessary reasons.
- Avoiding Sins – Engaging in worldly affairs, gossip, or unnecessary conversations should be avoided.
How is Itikaf Performed?
- Make the Intention (Niyyah) – Sincerely intend to perform Itikaf for the sake of Allah.
- Stay in the Mosque – Choose a quiet place in the mosque dedicated to worship.
- Engage in Worship – Focus on prayers, reciting the Quran, making dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and supplications.
- Minimize Distractions – Stay away from worldly matters and electronic distractions.
What is the period of Itikaf?
- Sunnah Itikaf starts from Maghrib (sunset) on the 20th of Ramadan and ends at Maghrib on the last day of Ramadan.
- Nafl Itikaf can be observed for any length of time.
- Wajib Itikaf is performed based on the duration specified in the individual’s vow.
Itikaf Dua
During Itikaf, Muslims frequently recite duas (supplications) for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings. One of the common Itikaf duas is:
اللهم إني أسألك العفو والعافية في الدنيا والآخرة
Translation: “O Allah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in this life and the Hereafter.”
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Itikaf brings multiple spiritual and psychological benefits:
- Deepens faith and strengthens the relationship with Allah.
- Provides inner peace and relief from worldly stress.
- Helps in self-purification and overcoming bad habits.
- Encourages self-discipline and mindfulness in daily life.
- Increases focus on the Quran and prayers.
What Are the Virtues of Itikaf?
The virtues of Itikaf include:
- It follows the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- It allows one to seek Laylatul Qadr, which holds immense rewards.
- The person in Itikaf is considered to be in constant worship.
- It helps in seeking forgiveness and mercy from Allah.
Itikaf for females
I’tikaf is a spiritual retreat observed in the last ten days of Ramadan, where a person dedicates themselves to worship and seclusion in a mosque. For females, I’tikaf is also a recommended practice, but there are specific guidelines to follow.
Rules for Women Observing I’tikaf
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Permissible Place:
- Women should observe I’tikaf in a designated prayer area within their homes, as per many scholars’ opinions.
- If a mosque has proper arrangements (separate space for women), some scholars allow I’tikaf there with the husband or guardian’s permission.
-
Duration:
- It is typically performed during the last ten days of Ramadan.
- A woman may choose to do I’tikaf for a shorter duration if she cannot commit to the full ten days.
-
Requirements:
- She must be in a state of purity (not on her menstrual cycle).
- She should remain within her designated area and avoid unnecessary social interactions.
- Her focus should be on prayer, Quran recitation, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and seeking forgiveness.
-
Leaving the Place of I’tikaf:
- She may leave only for necessary reasons, such as using the restroom or eating if food is not available nearby.
- Unnecessary outings, conversations, or distractions should be avoided.
-
Daily Activities:
- Engage in Salah (prayer), Quran recitation, and supplication.
- Avoid worldly affairs as much as possible.
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Ending I’tikaf:
- It ends at Maghrib on the last day of Ramadan or when Eid is confirmed.
Key Considerations for Women:
- If performing I’tikaf at home, she should set aside a quiet and clean space dedicated solely to worship.
- Household responsibilities should be managed beforehand or delegated to others to minimize distractions.
- Her intention (niyyah) should be solely for the sake of Allah.
Iʿtikāf (اعتكاف) – Quran & Hadith References
Iʿtikāf refers to the practice of secluding oneself in the mosque for worship and devotion to Allah, especially during the last ten days of Ramadan. It is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
I. Quranic References on Iʿtikāf
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187)
وَلَا تُبَـٰشِرُوهُنَّ وَأَنتُمْ عَـٰكِفُونَ فِى ٱلْمَسَـٰجِدِ
Translation:
“And do not have relations with them while you are in retreat (iʿtikāf) in the mosques…”
🔹 This verse establishes that iʿtikāf must be observed in the mosque and during this period, one should refrain from marital relations.
II. Hadith References on Iʿtikāf
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The Prophet ﷺ Regularly Observed Iʿtikāf
Narrated by Aisha (RA):
“The Prophet (ﷺ) used to practice Iʿtikāf in the last ten days of Ramadan until his death, and then his wives practiced it after him.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 2026, Sahih Muslim 1172) -
Best Time for Iʿtikāf – Last Ten Days of Ramadan
Narrated by Abu Huraira (RA):
“The Prophet (ﷺ) used to perform Iʿtikāf every year in the month of Ramadan for ten days, and in the year he passed away, he performed Iʿtikāf for twenty days.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 2044, Sahih Muslim 1173) -
Seeking Laylatul Qadr During Iʿtikāf
Narrated by Aisha (RA):
“When the last ten nights (of Ramadan) would begin, the Prophet (ﷺ) would tighten his waist belt, stay up at night, and wake up his family (for prayer).”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 2024, Sahih Muslim 1174) -
Iʿtikāf in a Mosque
Narrated by Ibn Abbas (RA):
“There is no Iʿtikāf except in the three mosques: Al-Masjid Al-Haram (Makkah), Al-Masjid An-Nabawi (Madinah), and Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa (Jerusalem).”
(Sunan Abu Dawood 2473, Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah 2205 – Some scholars view this hadith as weak, but others accept it with conditions.)
Conclusion
Itikaf is a gratifying act of worship that allows Muslims to detach from worldly concerns and strengthen their connection with Allah. Whether performed in Ramadan or voluntarily at any time, Itikaf provides a spiritually uplifting experience filled with devotion, prayer, and self-reflection. If possible, every Muslim should strive to observe Itikaf to reap its immense blessings and rewards.
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