As the last ten days of Ramadan commence, many Muslims around the world prepare to enter into a spiritual state of worship, committing themselves to the act of devotion and dedicating themselves to their Lord by sitting for Itikaf.
Though the act of Itikaf is known by many, a lot of people still have questions on how to perform Itikaf and the best way to make the correct intention for it. Muslim Aid have put together a guide in which we will go through the points of Itikaf so that anyone who is preparing for this holy retreat can enter it in a state of tranquillity, readily focused on achieving the closeness of their Lord.
The word Itikaf derives from the Arabic language, which means to remain or devote oneself. Itikaf in Islam means to seclude oneself in a mosque to worship and pray to Allah. This holy retreat allows a believer to step away from the daily distractions of this worldly life and shift complete focus to connecting to Allah. Itikaf is most commonly practised during the last ten days of Ramadan, with the aim to also seek the night of Laylatul Qadr.
The night of Laylatul Qadr is significant over any other night as it has been described by Allah as a night which is better than a thousand months. Allah says in the Quran “We have indeed revealed this in the Night of Power. And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by the permission of Allah, on every errand. Peace! This until the rise of Morn!” [Quran 97:1-5]
Though the purpose of Itikaf is to sit in a mosque to withdraw from the distractions of this world, the main aim is to spend sincere time remembering Allah. This time of worship would be used to recite and reflect on the words of the Quran, commit to voluntary prayers, and make dua for forgiveness.
Not only does Itikaf entail the spiritual retreat for oneself, but it is also a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him), as he used to partake in the practice of Itikaf quite regularly, especially in the month of Ramadan. It has been narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) “used to perform Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty & Majestic, took him." [Bukhari & Muslim]
One of the main focuses during Itikaf is the act of worship. This can be done through the means of performing regular prayers, reciting the Quran and understanding the meaning behind the words. The essential purpose of Itikaf is to remember Allah in the heart of worship.
Itikaf gives you the opportunity to gain spiritual clarity. It is in place for one to reconstruct their thoughts and focus on the pleasure of Allah. The intimate space Itikaf offers can help you reflect on your life direction, welcoming change and personal growth.
Though the performance of Itikaf is a voluntary act, it is a form of extra worship and devotion to Allah. It has been narrated by the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) that Allah has said My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him. When I love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him…” [Bukhari].
It is important to remember that Itikaf is not about isolation, but about creating a sacred space within the heart and mind, with the background noise of the world being parked aside. With a clear intention in place, and energy remaining dedicated to spiritual acts, one will be assured to leave the mosque not only refreshed but stronger in their relationship with their Creator.
The length of Itikaf depends on the time and purpose one wishes to dedicate. Some people may choose to perform a shorter Itikaf which means to sit in a mosque for a couple of hours with the intention of sincere devotion to Allah, whereas others will aim to complete the full last ten days during the month of Ramadan, seeking the single most blessed night of Laylatul Qadr.
The most popular form of Itikaf is the one performed in Ramadan. this one is considered the most rewarding as it involves a long period of dedication to worship and prayer. It also involves devotion during the most sacred nights of the year.
One can participate in the acts of Itikaf and the length of it according to their own ability. Some may find they can perform Itikaf for a day, whereas others can commit to doing the whole ten days in Ramadan. All of it comes down to the correct intention of Itikaf which must be made from the get-go.
Itikaf begins with intention (Niyah). Intention in Islam is the central point of any act of worship. Without the Niyah the act means nothing. When it comes to Itikaf, the intention is made upon the arrival of the mosque.
To make intention for Itikaf, one must enter the mosque with a clear mindset, and a heart dedicated to committing itself to Allah. All you need to do is say in your own words or in your mind that you’re entering Itikaf for the sake of Allah, to please Allah. The wording behind your intention doesn’t matter so much as the sincerity behind it.
An example of this would be to make dua saying “I intend to perform Itikaf for the sake of Allah to please him and to seek closeness to him.” This intention alone is enough as long as your heart and mind are also carrying out the same intent.
The purpose behind making an intention for Itikaf is to separate the regular act of sitting in the mosque for daily prayer, to committing oneself to the act of worship through Itikaf. The use of your Niyah is simple yet powerful. It turns a regular presence in the mosque into a meaningful spiritual sanctuary.
‘Itikaf Mubarak’ is a spiritual greeting said to those who are about to perform Itikaf. It is used to wish someone a blessed spiritual retreat.
Those that sit in Itikaf describe the act as life changing. The feeling of closing the distractions of the worldly life away from oneself welcomes a calm space for a person who seeks the nearness of their Creator.
The reason people may wish Itikaf Mubarak to someone who is about to enter the state of Itikaf is to convey wishes and encourage them to have a fulfilling spiritual experience.
The blessings of Itikaf are expected to continue once one leaves the mosque at the end of their Itikaf. The peace and change gained from this time away carries forward for months to come, where one will continue to seek the closeness of Allah by shaping the way they pray, or interact with others.
Before entering the mosque for Itikaf, it is best to prepare yourself in both the heart and mind. This would mean to let go of previous grudges and forgive those that may have hurt you. it’s also the best time to seek forgiveness from those that you may have hurt. A heart which clears itself from negativity will be able to remain focused on Allah.
Planning in advance by completing unfinished tasks and obligations outside of the mosque will also keep the mind from being distracted. This will free the mind from worldly worries allowing yourself to deepen your worship during Itikaf.
Itikaf is a gift for those that wish to draw close to Allah. The essence of Itikaf is more than just the length of time spent in the mosque but more about the sincerity of your heart during worship in the mosque. If the intention for Itikaf is pure, even for the short time spent in this state, Itikaf can bring peace and reward.
As the month of Ramadan nears, may those who have made the intention to sit in Itikaf this year be blessed with peace and acceptance, allowing themselves to attain the closeness with their Lord which their heart so desires.
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