I'TIKAAF

I'tik'af means to stay in the Mosque with the niyyat (intention) of I'tikaaf for the sake of Allah. The purpose of such stay in the Mosque is Ibaadat and to gain proximity to Allah.

THE TYPES OF I'TIKAAF

There are three types of I'tikaaf. Waajib (compulsory), Sunnatul Muakkadah and Nafl.

WAAJIB I'TIKAAF

An I'tikaaf of Nathr and a Qadhaa I'tikaaf are wajib (compulsory) I'tikaaf.

NATHR I'TIKAAF

• I'tikaaf of Nathr is an I'tikaaf undertaken as a result of a vow made to Allah Ta'ala.
• The validity of Nathr I'tikaaf requires the verbal expression of the niyyat or intention. It is, therefore, essential to verbally say, for example: 'I am undertaking (or making) I'tikaaf for Allah Ta'ala for three days’, or any other similar statement in which it is declared that I'tikaaf has been undertaken or is presently being undertaken. The expression of an intention should not relate to the future, e.g. "It is my intention to perform I'tikaaf, etc. For the purpose of Nathr I'tikaaf only a niyyat in the mind/heart is not sufficient.
• Saum (fasting) is a condition for the validity of Nathr I'tikaaf. Nathr I'tikaaf without fasting is not valid even if one vows to observe I'tikaaf without fasting.
• There are two types of Nathr I'tikaaf. Nathr Muayyan and Nathr Ghair Muayyan. Nathr Muayyan I'tikaaf is an I'tikaaf, the observance of which, one vowed to keep on specific days, e.g. on the 13th, 14th and 15th of Muharram. If one failed to observe the I'tikaaf on the particular days stipulated in the niyyat, the I'tikaaf has to be discharged at another time, i.e. Qadha will have to be made of the I'tikaaf.
• Nathr Ghair Muayyan I'tikaaf is an I'tikaaf, the observance of which is not pledged for any specific days. One merely vows to observe I'tikaaf for two days (for example). Such an I'tikaaf may be executed at any time of one's choice.
• If in the niyyat the number of days is expressed in the plural, e.g. 'I shall observe I'tikaaf of two days (three or four days etc.), and no specific meaning was given to the word 'days', then the word 'day' will mean 24 hours. Thus, I'tikaaf of the days as well as the nights will be obligatory.
• When expressing the niyyat, if the intention is to observe I'tikaaf only during the day and not during the night, only the days will become Waajib.
• If it is specified in the niyyat that I'tikaaf of only the nights will be observed, then such I'tikaaf is not obligatory.
• Similarly, if in the niyyat the term 'nights' was used, e.g. I have made obligatory on me an I'tikaaf of three nights', and by the term 'nights' no particular meaning was intended nor specified, then I'tikaf of both the night and day will be wajib.
• If the vow was for an I'tikaf of one day only, then it will mean the day commencing from Subah Sadiq until sunset. However, if the intention was a 24 hour period, then 'one day' will mean from one sunset to another sunset, i.e. 24 hours - night and day.
• If the intention is to observe I'tikaf of only one day (i.e. minus the night), one should enter the Mosque just prior to Subah-Sadiq and leave at any time after sunset.
• If the intention is to observe I'tikaf for 24 hours or for several days with nights included, one should enter the Mosque before sunset and leave at any time after sunset of the last day of the I'tikaaf.
• When Nathr (vow) is made to observe I'tikaf for several days (i.e. days including nights - 24 hour period), it will be waajib to execute the days of the I'tikaaf consecutively - one after the other without interruption. However, if at the time of the niyyat it is specified that the I'tikaaf will be interspersed, then it will be permissible to spread the number of days of the Nathr I'tikaaf over a period. It will then not be wajib to observe the I'tikaaf in consecutive order of days.
• In a Nathr I'tikaaf in which the nights have not been included in the niyyat, it will be permissible to intersperse the days of the I'tikaf. Consecutive order in this case is not wajib.
• A Nathr Muayyan I'tikaf (in which a specific month or particular days have been specified for the I'tikaaf) may be executed even before the specified period.
• If it is expressed in the vow that the Nathr I'tikaf will be undertaken in Masjid al-Haram, it will be permissible to observe it in any Mosque.
• Nathr I'tikaaf may be discharged even with the Sawm of Ramadhaan. Thus, if a vow was taken to observe I'tikaaf during Ramadan (i.e. other than the I'tikaaf of the last 10 days), then such I'tikaaf will be valid and the fasting of Ramadan will suffice for the I'tikaaf.
• Nathr I'tikaaf will be valid with any type of wajib fasting even if the fasting is Qadha or Kaffarah fasting. Thus, if one is keeping Qadhaa fasts, one may observe a Nathr I'tikaaf on such days.
• Nathr I'tikaaf will not be valid with Nafl fasting. Thus if one intends Nathr I'tikaaf after having commenced a Nafl Fasting, the Nathr I'tikaaf will not be valid.
• The minimum period for a wajib I'tikaaf is one day, i.e. from Subah Sadiq to sunset.

QADHA OF I'TIKAAF

• Qadha will be made of Nathr and Masnoon I'tikaaf. There is no Qadha for Nafl I'tikaaf.
• Qadha of Nathr Muayyan I'tikaaf will be made if the I'tikaaf was not observed on its specific days or if it was rendered void while observing it.
• Masoon I'tikaaf (i.e. the I'tikaaf of the last ten days of Ramadan) will be made Qadha if it was rendered void after having commenced it. It is necessary to make Qadha of only the day or days which were rendered void. When making Qadha of the I'tikaaf, Saum (fasting) is obligatory. Qadha of the I'tikaaf will be valid only if fasting is also observed on the day/s when the Qadha is being made.

SUNNATUL MUAKKADAH I'TIKAF

I'tikaaf of the last ten days of Ramadan is the only Masnoon I'tikaaf. This Masnoon I'tikaaf is Sunnatul Muakkadah alal Kifaayah. If a few or even just one person observes this I'tikaf in a particular area/neighborhood, the duty will be discharged on behalf of the entire community of that locality. On the other hand, if no one observes this I'tikaaf, the whole community will be guilty of neglecting a Sunnatul Muakkadah obligation. Such neglect is sinful.

• The Mu'takif (the one who observes I'tikaaf will enter the Mosque before sunset of the 20th day of Ramadan.
• The Mu'takif will remain in the Mosque until the sighting of the Eid Hilaal is confirmed.
• Niyyat (making intention) is a necessary condition for Masnoon I'tikaaf as well.
• If the Masnoon I'tikaaf is broken or nullified, Qadha of it is obligatory.

THE VENUE FOR I'TIKAF

• For men. I'tikaaf is valid in only a Mosque in which Azhan and Iqaamah are proclaimed for the five daily prayers. In other words it has to be a Mosque in which the five daily prayers are performed with Jamaat (congregation).
• Females can observe I'tikaaf in a place in their homes, set aside for Salat or specially cordoned off for the purpose of I'tikaaf.
• It is not permissible for women to come to the Mosque to observe I'tikaaf or to perform prayer or to listen to lectures.
• The Mosque here refers to the Mosque proper and not to the annexure or adjacent buildings erected for the needs of the Mosque or Musallees.
• The Mosque proper is that section of the building which was intended by the Waqif to be the Mosque (Waqif is the person or organization who erected the Mosque and demarcated the Mosque boundaries).
• Most Musaajid have a section at the back, which in most cases is under the same roof, but is excluded from the Mosque proper. Janazah Salat and sometimes a second Jamaat (congregation) by latecomers are performed in this section. Since this section of the building is excluded from the Mosque proper, it is not permissible for the Mu'takif to venture unnecessarily into that area. If he does, his I'tikaaf will be rendered void.
• The Mu'takif should ascertain from the Mutawallis (trustees) the exact boundaries of the Mosque.
• The Wudu Khanah, courtyard, store-rooms and any other adjacent buildings are all excluded from the Mosque.
• It is essential that the Mu'takif remains inside the Mosque or inside the special place set aside at home (for women) throughout the duration of the I'tikaaf. Leaving the place of I'tikaf unnecessarily for even a minute will render the I'tikaf null and void.

VALID REASONS FOR LEAVING THE MUSJID AND WHICH WILL NOT BREAK THE I'TIKAF

It is permissible to leave the Mosque for the following acts of need:

• To answer the call of nature - to go to the toilet.
• To pass wind.
• To take an obligatory bath
• To make wudu
• Juma'h Salat (Friday prayer), if Juma'h Salaat is not performed in the Mosque where the I'tikaaf is being observed. In this case the Mu'takif should leave the Musjid at such a time to enable him to reach the other Mosque in time to perform his Sunnah Salaat. He should leave immediately after having completed the six raka'ts Sunnats after the Farz prayers. He should not delay for Dua and Zhikr.
• To proclaim the Adhan, if he is the Muath-thin. This is permissible for even a Mu'takif who is not the permanent Muath-thin.
• To bring food if there is no one to tend to this need of his.
• If one is compelled to leave the Mosque either because of danger or forceful eviction, one may immediately proceed to another Mosque to continue with the I'tikaaf. An unnecessary delay in the process of changing Mosque is not permissible and will break the I'tikaaf. When leaving the Mosque for the above mentioned reasons, the Mu'takif must return to the Mosque immediately after having fulfilled the need. An unnecessary delay of even a minute will break the I'tikaf.

THE MUFSIDAT OR THE THINGS WHICH INVALIDATE (BREAK) THE I'TIKAF

• Only wajib and Masnoon I'tikaaf are rendered invalid. Nafl I'tikaaf is not rendered void by any act. It is merely ended by engaging in an act which is not permitted for the Mu'takif.
• Unnecessarily leaving the Mosque for even a minute whether intentionally, unintentionally or under compulsion, will invalidate the I'tikaf. All acts and reasons besides the valid reasons (see above) will be regarded as 'unnecessary' in the context of I'tikaf. Thus, leaving the Mosque due to illness, although permissible, will invalidate the I'tikaf To leave the Mosque for Janazah Salat, visiting the sick or for any other permissible activity besides the VALID REASONS (see below), will render the I'tikaaf null and void.
• The I'tikaaf will also become void (break - be invalid) if the Mu'takif's fast breaks.

THE MUBAHAAT OR THE THINGS WHICH ARE PERMISSIBLE DURING I'TIKAF

During I'tikaf, the following acts are mubah (permissible):

• To eat and drink.
• To sleep.
• Necessary conversation.
• To change clothes and apply perfume and oil.
• To cut hair and nails. These should not be allowed to fall in the Mosque.
• To walk inside the Mosque.
• To sit anywhere inside the Mosque.
• To tend to a sick person inside the Mosque.
• If necessary, to buy and sell goods provided that the goods are not brought into the Mosque nor is payment made inside the Mosque.
• To teach Religious lessons.
• To sew clothing.
• To study Religious books.
• To get married and to perform a Marriage.
• All such acts which are lawful and allowed in the Mosque are permissible for the Mu'takif.

THE MAKRUHAT OR THE THINGS WHICH ARE DETESTABLE AND NOT PERMISSIBLE FOR THE MU'TAKIF

The Makruhat during I'tikaf are as follows:

• To maintain total silence.
• To indulge in idle talk.
• To sleep excessively merely to while away the time.
• To unnecessarily pass wind inside the Mosque.
• To sew garments or engage in any occupation for a fee.
• To read books and magazines which are not of a Religious nature.
• To erect the mu'takaf in a way which inconveniences the Musallees. (Mu'takaf is the area which is enclosed for the sleeping and eating of the one who observes I'tikaf).
• To engage in any worldly activity unnecessarily.

WHAT TO DO DURING I'TIKAF

• The Mu'takif should engage himself in Ibadat to the best of his ability. Nafl Prayer, Tilawat, Durood, Istighfar and permanent Zhikr in general should be the Mu'takif's occupations throughout the duration of his I'tikaaf.
• When the Mu'takif speaks, he must speak only what is virtue or what is necessary.
• The Mutakif should not do anything which conflicts with the spirit of I'tikaf. He should guard his heart, mind, ears, eyes and limbs against all evil, thus deriving maximum benefit from his seclusion in the Mosque.
• The Mu'takif is the guest of Allah. He should therefore, be careful of his behavior in the House of Allah.

MASAAIL (RULES) PERTAINING TO I'TIKAF

• The same rules which apply to a man observing I'tikaaf in the Mosque, apply to a woman observing I'tikaaf in her place of seclusion at home.
• When necessity, e.g. Juma' Salaat (Friday Prayer) in another Mosque, compels the Mu'takif to leave his Mosque, it will be permissible for him to enquire about a sick person or generally engage in good conversation without departing from the road. He must not unnecessarily stop on the road.
• During I'tikaaf it is not permissible to leave the Mosque for even a Sunnat ghusl (Bath).
• It is permissible for the Muath-thin who is in I'tikaf to enter the minaret for the Azhan.
• Whilst standing inside the Mosque it is permissible for the Mu'takif to protrude his head out of the window.
• Emission of semen, e.g. in a wet dream, does not invalidate the I'tikaaf
• A woman's I'tikaaf is proper if she has the consent of her husband.
• The I'tikaf of a child, who understands the meaning of I'tikaaf, is valid. Buloogh (puberty) is not a condition for the validity of I'tikaaf.
• It is permissible to sleep on a bed in the Mu'takaf (the place cordoned off for sleeping and eating).
• A person who is not in I'tikaf should not join the Mu'takif for Iftar or eating unless he also makes a niyyat (intention) for I'tikaaf.
• Such an I'tikaaf will be Nafl and its duration can be even for a minute. The person should make niyyat (intention) of I'tikaaf, then engage in some thikr and Salat. Thereafter he may do as he pleases, e.g. join the Mu'takif in eating.
• The Mu'takif should remain at all times with wudu. If his wudu breaks, it will be permissible for him to leave the Mosque for the purpose of wudu, even if it is not yet time for Salaat (Prayer). After making wudu, he should perform at least two raka'ts Tahiyyatul-wudu. Similarly, it will be permissible for him to leave the Mosque to make wudu at night to enable him to sleep with wudu.
• If for some reason the I'tikaaf of Ramadan was rendered void (broken), it will not be necessary to leave the Mosque. The remaining days may still be observed and Qadha of the day/s rendered void should be made.

Source: Kitaabus Saum