Ramadan 1445 AH — Day 20: The ‘Itikahf

“Itikaf in Ramadan is equivalent to Itikahf performed throughout the year.” — Musnad Ahmad

Alhamdulillah! Today marks the 20th day of the blessed month and we thank Allah for sparing our lives thus far. From tonight onwards, we begin the search for Laylatu Qadr which can only be found in the odd nights of the last ten days. I ask Allah to count me and you among the beneficiaries of this night of majesty and bliss. Amin!

The Sunnah of Itikaf refers to the practice of secluding oneself in the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan, primarily for worship, contemplation, and spiritual reflection. This is a firmly rooted sunnah found in several books of Hadith. Many of the companions and righteous predecessors also indulged in this practice.

Aisha (RA) reported that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to observe Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until he passed away — Sahih Bukhari and Muslim

The righteous predecessors, including the companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the early Muslim scholars, diligently followed the Sunnah of Itikaf. They viewed Itikaf as an opportunity to seek closeness to Allah, increase their worship, and detach from worldly distractions.
Many renowned companions, such as Abu Bakr, Umar ibn al-Khattab, and Uthman ibn Affan, may Allah be pleased with them all, were known to observe Itikaf during Ramadan.

Part of the goals of Itikaf is to see the signs of Laylatul Qadr and not miss the rewards. Besides the numerous benefits and rewards that one could derive from this spiritual seclusion of Itikaf, there’s also a need to pay attention to its guiding principles which include but are not limited to:

• Make sincere intention, focusing solely on seeking nearness to Allah and spiritual purification. This should be solely for Allah’s sake and in line with the prophetic methodology.
• The duration is usually for the last ten days of Ramadan in search of the night of majesty.
• Itikaf is observed within the confines of a mosque, where daily congregational prayers including solatul jum’ah are observed.
• The goal of itikaf is for the individual to remain in seclusion from worldly affairs and distractions. Therefore, it's best to unplug from your gadgets during this period.
• During Itikaf, one should engage in acts of worship such as recitation of the Quran, dhikr — remembrance of Allah, voluntary prayers, supplication, and seeking beneficial knowledge of the deen.
• Respect for the mosque environment and fellow worshippers is paramount. Hence, it is important to maintain silence and avoid unnecessary conversation or distractions during this period.
• Family and friends can visit you to check up on you and bring you provisions. However, the time spent with them should be limited so as not to distract you from achieving your spiritual objective.
• Exiting Itikaf temporarily is permissible for essential needs such as using the restroom or fulfilling other necessities. However, the intention to resume I’tikaf should remain intact as soon as one’s need is fully met.
• Itikaf concludes either at the sighting of the Shawwal moon to mark the end of Ramadan or upon completing the intended duration. It’s best to go to the Eid praying ground from the masjid before heading home.

In summary, this forgotten Sunnah of Itikaf finds its root in the life of Allah’s Apostle ﷺ and that of the righteous predecessors, who considered it a means of spiritual purification and devotion. Itikaf remains a cherished practice among Muslims worldwide, particularly during the blessed month of Ramadan.

Action Points

1. Make the intention to perform itikahf in the last ten days, in a mosque where jum’ah is observed.
2. Indulge in extra acts of worship like supplication, nawaafil, tilaawah, and the ultimate search for Laylatul Qadr
3. Remember to keep chanting every night the dua recommended for the night of majesty.

That’s it for today, take action on this Daily Revival and if you missed yesterday’s episode, you can find it here. I ask Allah to make it easy for you and me. Amin!

Yaumus Sabt 20th Ramadan 1445 AH // Saturday 30th March 2024.

• If you’d like to support a charitable cause this Ramadan, donate to Rafeeqee Foundation
• You may join my WhatsApp Broadcast channel called “Islamic Reminders” where you can find some more beneficial stuff.
• Finally, I made a practical video on how to crush your Ramadan goals using two non-conventional methodologies. You’ll find it on Pure Masculinity Podcast, don’t forget to subscribe.