Comprehend I’tikaf Fiqh Prior to The Final Ten Nights of Ramadan

Devin Halim Wijaya26 March 2025

0 5 4 minutes read

Particularly during the final ten nights of Ramadan it is strongly advised to perform i’tikaf. This act of devotion is a way to get closer to Allah ﷻ and has many virtues. In order to ensure that i’tikaf is performed correctly and in line with Islamic teachings it is crucial to comprehend its fiqh (jurisprudence) prior to engaging in it. Using credible sources as a guide, this article will go over the definition, ruling, conditions, pillars, etiquette and things that render i’tikaf invalid.

What is I’tikaf

I’tikaf in a linguistic term means to stay or to remain. I’tikaf is the term used in Islamic terminology to describe remaining in the mosque with the goal of worshiping Allah ﷻ. In order to improve ones spiritual state and get closer to Allah this act entails spending a certain amount of time—during the day or at night—in the mosque. Because of Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) which is better than a thousand months I’tikaf is especially stressed during the final ten nights of Ramadan. I’tikafs decision. I’tikaf particularly on the final ten nights of Ramadan is a Sunnah act. This is based on the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ s hadith which Bukhari and Muslims narrated:

كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَعْتَكِفُ الْعَشْرَ الأَوَاخِرَ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ حَتَّى تَوَفَّاهُ اللَّهُ.

the Messenger of Allah ﷺ would perform i’tikaf in the final ten days of Ramadan before his death. (Muslim and Al-Bukhari).

If someone swears (nadhr) to perform i’tikaf it may also become mandatory. Nadhr are commitments made to Allah ﷻ to carry out particular acts of worship they become obligatory if they include i’tikaf.

Also read:The Virtues of the Month of Ramadan: Time to Harvest Rewards!

Conditions of I’tikaf

To execute i’tikaf a number of requirements must be fulfilled. The individual must first and foremost be a Muslim. They must also be of sound mind which means they cannot be unconscious or insane. Third, there must be no significant impurities present such as menstruation or in the case of women . Fourth, for i’tikaf to be valid, an intention (niyyah) for it must exist. Prior to beginning i’tikaf the intention must be made and it must be for Allah ﷻ alone. Fifth, it is necessary to perform i’tikaf in a mosque ideally one where mens Friday prayers are held.

Pillars of I’tikaf

Three key components make up the pillars of i’tikaf. First, the intention of performing i’tikaf for Allah ﷻs sake. Prior to starting i’tikaf this intention must be established and upheld. Secondly, remaining in the mosque. Except for necessities like using the restroom taking a ghusl (ritual bath) or taking care of basic needs one must stay in the mosque during i’tikaf. The third is the length of i’tikaf. Although i’tikaf can be done whenever you want it, but the best time to do it during the final ten nights of Ramadan because you might be able to meet Laylat al-Qadr at the best condition.

The Etiquettes of I’tikaf

Certain etiquette should be followed in order to give i’tikaf greater significance. First, perform more acts of worship. During the time in i’tikaf engage in supplication dhikr (remembering Allah) prayer and Quran recitation. Secondly, keep things in the right track. Steer clear of behaviors that render i’tikaf pointless and make sure you are always in a state of ritual purity. Thirdly, refrain from idle chatter. Steer clear of pointless discussions and gossiping. Fourth, consume moderate amounts of food and liquids. To keep your attention on worship refrain from overindulging. Fifth, keep the mosque tidy. The mosque should be kept hygienic and pure since it is a house of worship.

Also read:Worship During Ramadan While Commuting

I’tikaf-invalidating factors

I’tikaf may become invalid due to specific actions. The first is leaving the mosque without a good reason like non-urgent worldly concerns. I’tikaf remains valid even if you leave for necessities like ghusl or bathroom breaks. Doing sexual activity comes in second. Married couples engaging in i’tikaf must thus refrain from doing so. The third is postpartum hemorrhage (nifas) or menstruation. Since these are regarded as serious impurities that prohibit one from performing acts of worship women who experience them are required to stop wearing their i’tikaf.

Virtues of I’tikaf

I’tikaf has a lot of virtues. It first raises the possibility of seeing Laylat al-Qadr in the best conditions. You have a better chance of experiencing this blessed night—better than a thousand months—if you perform i’tikaf during the final ten nights of Ramadan. Secondly, it makes one more taqwa (God-conscious). Staying inside the mosque allows one to concentrate on worship and block out outside distractions. Third, i’tikaf is a deep act of submission and devotion to Allah ﷻ that brings the believer nearer to Him.

Also read:Tips for Completing the Qur’an During Ramadan

In conclusion

Particularly when done during the final ten nights of Ramadan i’tikaf is a blessed act of worship. We can maximize the benefits of this act of devotion and perform it correctly if we understand the fiqh of i’tikaf. I hope that this post will be a helpful resource and source of inspiration for enjoying the benefits of i’tikaf during the auspicious month of Ramadan.