I’tikaaf – A Spiritual Retreat For Muslims

Spiritual renewal is huge part of Ramadan, and is something that Muslims try to achieve during it. It is a time for Muslims to reflect on their life, what they have achieved and how can they go further to be better Muslims.

Performing I’tikaaf is a form of spiritual healing and highly rewarding activity in Ramadan.

Aitekaf Requirements and Eligibility

I’tikaaf literally means staying in one place. In Islam, it means staying in a mosque for a specified amount of time during which one completely devotes himself or herself to Allah (swt) and spends most of the time in prayer and meditation. Since it takes place during the last 10 days of Ramadan, some people regard it as a parting gift from Ramadan to Muslims; an opportunity to earn abundant blessings and rewards for the afterlife. According to some traditions, the Night of Power, or Lailat-ul-Qadr resides in one of the ten days of Ramadan.

Making intentions is an important concept in Islam, and is something which is important when making I’tikaaf. Practically every act or task begins with Niyyah (intention). Only people who can fast without issues should perform I’tikaaf. Those who are weak due to illness should avoid it until they regain their full strength due to the difficulty It would put them through.

There are many prophetic narrations that attest to the importance and benefits of I’tikaaf. Abdullah bin Abbas (ra) stated that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) once said “whosoever for Allah’s sake did even one days’ I’tikaaf, Allah would keep him away from Jahannam by the trenches.” (Tarbani)

This month of Ramadan brings an exciting opportunity to perform I’tikaaf once again and reap the abundant blessings and spiritual benefits. Spending time in I’tikaaf is especially rewarding if Lailat-ul-Qadr falls whilst one is in I’tikaaf. Mosques come alive during Ramadan, and particularly in the last ten days when people performing I’tikaaf flock to stay there at night. If this is something that you have always wanted to do, then now is as good a time as any. With Ramadan here, the time for I’tikaaf will soon be upon us again. Start making arrangements now if you can, because mosques tend to get very crowded at these times. I’tikaaf is a great spiritual retreat; one that all Muslims must seek out for themselves. This Ramadan is as good an opportunity as any. Recite the Holy Qur’an, make supplications seek out Lailat-ul-Qadr, become a better Muslim.