I’tikaaf

What Is I’tikaaf?

I’tikaaf means to _abide in the masjid out of worship to Allah, may He be glorified and exalted._1 I’tikaaf is prescribed in Islam and is an act of worship that draws a person closer to Allah. Its purpose is for an individual to devote their time to worshipping Allah, may He be exalted, while distancing themselves from anything that may distract them. Ibn Rajab described it as:

“Cutting off all connections from the creation so that you may be in service for the Creator.”2

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ would observe I’tikaaf in a small tent inside the masjid. This provided a dedicated space where he would not be distracted by others, nor would others distract him. The primary goal of the Prophet’s ﷺ I’tikaaf was to seek Laylatul Qadr and prepare to spend that blessed night in worship. Allah says:

“The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.” — Surah Al-Qadr 97:3

---

The Purpose of I’tikaaf

It is important for the person performing I’tikaaf to remember why they are doing it. I’tikaaf is not a social gathering, a holiday, a time to simply relax, or a time to “chill.” Rather, it is an opportunity to become closer to Allah and seek Laylatul Qadr. Therefore, a person’s time during I’tikaaf should be significantly different from the time of someone who is not performing I’tikaaf.

The aims of I’tikaaf include:

• Being alone with Allah and distancing oneself from people where possible, allowing complete focus on Allah.
• Renewing oneself spiritually by focusing entirely on Allah.
• Devoting oneself to prayer, du’aa, dhikr and the recitation of the Qur’an.
• Protecting one’s fast from anything that may affect it.
• Reducing permissible worldly pleasures and refraining from many of them, even though one is able to enjoy them.

---

Etiquettes of I’tikaaf

The following are some important etiquettes to observe during I’tikaaf:

1. Focus on Worship

Give priority to:

• Salah
• Qur’an
• Dhikr
• Salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ
• Seeking beneficial knowledge

Focus on acts of worship that are directly related to I’tikaaf. Even helping others or assisting with setting up Iftaar should only be done when there is a genuine need, such as nobody else being available to do it.

2. Avoid Unnecessary Speech

Avoid:

• Arguments
• Insults
• Cruel or inappropriate speech
• Arguments and debates
• Conversations that do not benefit you

These are inappropriate at any time, and even more so during I’tikaaf. One should strive to speak only that which is good. There is no harm in speaking when there is a genuine need. The essence of I’tikaaf is to disconnect from unnecessary worldly distractions and dedicate oneself to Allah. It should not become a place for hosting guests, socialising or casual conversations.

---

Invalidators of I’tikaaf

The following actions invalidate I’tikaaf:

1. Sexual intercourse, whether during the day or night.
2. Leaving the masjid without a valid need.

---

Permissible Actions During I’tikaaf

The following are permissible:

1. Leaving the masjid when there is a genuine need, for the duration of that need.
2. Combing or grooming the hair.
3. Applying perfume.
4. Performing wudhu in the masjid.
5. Using a small tent or dedicated private space, where provided.
6. Making the intention for fewer than ten nights, where applicable.
7. Shaving the hair and clipping the nails.
8. Eating, drinking and attending to other normal personal needs.

---

Rules & Regulations

By applying for I’tikaaf, you agree to abide by the following rules and regulations.

Eligibility & Identification

• The minimum age for applicants is 18 years.
• This form must be returned with one photo ID (passport or driving licence) and one proof of address (driving licence or utility bill dated within the last 3 months).
• No one may reserve a space. Spaces will be allocated by management on the day.

I’tikaaf Area

• No visitors are permitted in the I’tikaaf area.
• No group meetings or private study circles are permitted.
• You must remain within the main prayer hall and only enter the side hall, kitchen or wudhu area when there is a genuine need.
• You are not permitted to enter any other areas of the building.
• You must not use your time in I’tikaaf for social gatherings or unnecessary meetings, particularly during times of worship, classes or when doing so may disturb others.
• Remember: you are here to become closer to Allah, not simply to become closer to your friends.

Behaviour & Conduct

• Un-Islamic, disruptive or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.
• You are not coming to debate or argue. Practice sabr and avoid involving yourself in unnecessary matters.
• You must comply with reasonable requests from the Imam and/or Management Team.
• Do not sit at the back of the prayer hall talking or using your mobile phone unnecessarily.
• Please switch mobile phones off or keep them on silent, including disabling vibration where possible.
• A short talk will be given by the Imam for those performing I’tikaaf. All participants must attend and adhere to the guidance provided.

Food & Drink

• Do not bring food or drinks into the main prayer halls, other than water.
• Please bring a water bottle and refill it as required.
• The kitchen is the only area in the masjid with drinkable tap water.
• Please take empty bottles home and recycle them responsibly.
• Keep all food and drink areas clean.

Temperature & Consideration for Others

There will be many people attending the masjid, and the temperature will therefore be maintained at approximately 21°C. Please be considerate of others:

• If you feel cold, position yourself away from drafts from open doors or windows.
• If you feel hot or require fresh air, position yourself closer to windows or the entrance of the prayer hall.

Smoking & Vaping

• Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited during your stay at the masjid.

Electrical Items

• You are not permitted to bring electrical items that require plugging into a power socket.

Cleaning

• You must adhere to the cleaning rota provided by Muhammadi Masjid.
• Keep your allocated area clean and tidy.
• When leaving, clean up your area and take all belongings with you.
• Any items left behind may be disposed of without delay.

Parking

• Please do not leave your vehicle parked in the masjid car park during your I’tikaaf.
• Parking is limited, so please be considerate of other masjid attendees.

Personal Belongings

The masjid cannot be held responsible for any belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged.

Please keep your personal belongings secure and avoid bringing unnecessary valuables.

---

Fire & Emergency Procedures

If there is a fire or other emergency requiring evacuation:

1. Leave the building immediately.
2. Do not delay to collect belongings.
3. Proceed to the front car park, which is the designated meeting point.
4. Follow the instructions of the Imam, management team or emergency services.

---

General Reminders

• Practise sabr and maintain good character.
• Avoid unnecessary conversations, debates and socialising.
• Give priority to Salah, Qur’an, Dhikr and other acts of worship.
• Be considerate of other people performing I’tikaaf.
• Keep noise to a minimum.
• Respect the masjid and its facilities.
• Follow the instructions of the Imam and Management Team.
• Remember the purpose of I’tikaaf throughout your stay.

---

Management’s Right to Enforce the Rules

The masjid reserves the right to remove any individual without notice if they are deemed to have seriously breached any of the above rules, disrupted others, behaved abusively or acted in a manner contrary to the purpose of I’tikaaf.

---

Final Reminder

I’tikaaf is a precious opportunity to disconnect from the distractions of the dunya and dedicate yourself to Allah. Make the most of every moment. Come with the intention to worship. Come with patience. Come with sincerity. Come seeking Laylatul Qadr.

---

References

1. Al-Mutli’ ‘Ala Alfaadh Ar-Rawdh Al-Murbi’, p. 160. ↩
2. Ibn Rajab, Lataaif Al-Ma’arif, p. 191. ↩