I'tikaaf (Seclusion in the Masjid)

To remain in I'tikaaf for the last ten days of Ramadhaan in Sunnah-Alal-Kifaayah. If even one person from the locality performs I'tikaaf, this Sunnah is fulfilled. A very easy and practical way of finding Laylatul Qadr is to sit in I'tikaaf. If a person only performs I'tikaaf during the nights of the last ten days, then also he will acquire this virtue. If this is also not possible, then at least the odd nights should be given importance. This is also a great fortune. A person sleeping whilst in I'tikaaf will be regarded as if he is performing Ibaadah(Worship). A person may engage in permissible speech whilst in I'tikaaf. However he should refrain from obscene and vain talk.

Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Abbaas (RadhiyAllahu Anhu) narrates (in a lengthy Hadith) that he heard Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) saying " If anyone walks to see to his brothers need and endeavours to fulfill it, then it is better for him than 10 years of I'tikaaf. And if anyone observes I'tikaaf for 1 day seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala, Allah Ta'ala creates between him and the fire (of jahannum) 3 trenches. (The distance between them) is more than the distance between east an west."

Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (RadhiyAllahu Anhu) said : "Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) use to observe I'tikaaf during the last 10 days of Ramadhaan."




It is narrated from Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (RadhiyAllahu Anhu) that he said : "Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) use to observe I'tikaaf for 10 days every Ramadhaan. When it was (the Ramadhaan of) the year (before) he passed away, he observed I'tikaaf for 20 days."