A Sacred Seclusion for the Heart and Soul
In the last 10 nights of Ramadan, the heart of a believer longs to isolate itself within silence and the presence of God. One of the most spiritually immersive practices at this time is I’tikaf, a voluntary retreat to the mosque purely for the worship, reflection, and connection with Allah.
A powerful act of devotion, I’tikaf is rooted in the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It provides the mu’min with an opportunity to detach from distractions and be immersed in Qur’an recitation, prayer, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and supplication, while being nested in the sanctity of the masjid.
The Qur’anic Origin and Sunnah of I’tikaf
Allah mentions I’tikaf in the Qur’an in connection with the sanctity of the mosque and fasting:
“…And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques. These are the limits [set by] Allah, so do not approach them…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)
This verse is referring to the aspect of sequestration in the mosque in Ramadan, indicating the spiritual importance and sanctity of the matter.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ never abandoned I’tikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan until his passing. A’ishah (RA) reported:
“The Prophet used to observe I’tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah took his soul, then his wives observed I’tikaf after him.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
This act is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (highly recommended practice), especially in the last ten nights, when the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) is to be sought.
Purpose: Why Retreat?
I’tikaf is not just about physically removing oneself from their life, but of retreating inward to purify the heart. In an age of ubiquitous connectivity, entering into isolation is an intentional act of surrender and submission.
In I’tikaf, the believer:
- Disengages from worldly affairs.
- Reestablishes connection to the Qur’an and prayer.
- Cultivates the quiet that enables contemplation.
- Searching for Laylat al-Qadr, alone and authentically.
It is a time to reset the soul, unburden oneself and plead with and whisper to one’s heart to Allah, at night’s quiet hours.
How is I’tikaf Practiced?
1. When Does It Begin?
I’tikaf is usually initiated on the 20th night of Ramadan, just before Maghrib, and continues until the Eid moon is sighted.
2. Where is It Performed?
- For men, it has to be done in a mosque where congregational prayers take place.
- Staying in a prayer space at home: Scholars allow I’tikaf for women at home in a prayer space, but only if their situation permits them to do so, and it is done sincerely.
3. What Should Be Done?
Your intention (niyyah) is critical: Your intention has to be only for Allah. Time should be spent in:
- Reflecting on and reciting the Qur’an.
- Performing sunnah prayers.
- Dhikr and tasbeeh.
- Making du’a.
- Repentance and forgiveness.
4. What Should Be Avoided?
- Idle talk of the world and its distractions
- Too much socializing or use of social media
- Exiting the mosque without dire reasons (i.e., restroom or most basic sanitary practices)
The Spirit of Seclusion
The Prophet ﷺ said that an hour of reflection is more than 70 years of needless worship. I’tikaf is not taking ourselves off from the world for the sake of it, it’s about coming back to Allah.
You are not alone in this solitude. You are among the angels, in the shade of Mercy Divine, and on the path of those whom Allah loves.
Conclusion: Embrace the Stillness, Seek the Light
In those last nights of Ramadan, I’tikaf is the sacred space where one goes into seclusion in order to be found by Allah. And so in the quiet of the mosque, the Qur’an in hand, the heart aglow, the believer has found something far more valuable than this world: peace, clarity, and proximity to the Creator.
For those who crave Laylat al-Qadr and hope to savor the sweetness of faith without disruption for them, I’tikaf is the gateway. It is an invitation to something greater than the moment.
