I ‘Tikaf is a kind of worship in the religion of Islam in which a believer confines or restricts himself to a place particularly in a mosque and remains in communion with Allah during the last ten days of the holy month of Ramdhan. The believer observing I’ Tikaf isolates himself from the worldly affairs and activities for a limited time .The aim and purpose of I ‘Tikaf is to have devoted worship of Allah and disconnect oneself from all engagements and desires of flesh. By observing I ‘Tikaf, one gets himself disconnected from all evils and meaningless things of life and strengthens his relationship and attains propinquity with Allah and enables himself to conquest moral and spiritual salvation. I’Tikaf is of three kinds (a) obligatory, (b) commendable, and (c) Sunnat (Compulsory). Obligatory I‘Tikaf is observed when somebody has promised and determined to observe it in case he is successful in an affair of life. The Commendable I ‘Tikaf is observed during any month, or even in the first ten days of Ramadan or in the middle ten days of Ramadan. The Sunnat (Compulsory) I ‘Tikaf is observed during the last ten days of Ramadan and it is Sunnat Mu’akkadah (Compulsory) Kifayah. This kind of I’ Tikaf is necessary for every Muslim inhabited Precinct or area and it is to be observed by any of them for the salvation of the dwellers. The Holy Quran say’s about its sanctity and the restrictions which one has to observe during I ‘Tikaf: “……You should not have intercourse with your wives while you confine yourselves to mosques (during the last ten days of Ramzan)” (2:187). Our beloved Prophet (SAW) observed I ‘Tikaf regularly every year and it is reported that once he (SAW) missed due to some reason and next year he (SAW) observed I ‘Tikaf for twenty days. Hazrat Anas (RA) says: “The Holy Prophet (SAW) observed I ‘Tikaf during the last ten days of Ramzan. Once he could not do so, and the next year he observed twenty days ‘I Tikaf.” (Trimizi). Hazrat A ‘ishah (RA) says: “When the last week of the month of Ramdhan approached, the Holy Prophet (SAW) used to keep awake during most part of the nights and devoted himself to worship. He (SAW) also commanded the females of the household to remain awake and engage themselves in the worship of Allah with full ardor and perfect devotion.”Hazrat A‘ishah (RA) also says: “The Holy Prophet (SAW) used to observe I’ Tikaf during the last ten days of Ramzan and he (SAW) continued this practice till the last day of his life. After him, his wives continued this practice of observing I’ Tikaf regularly” (Bukhari, Muslim).
The best I ‘Tikaf is that which is observed in the Holy Ka’ba and the next is in the mosque of Holy Prophet (SAW) at Madinah and then in the Holy mosque of Jerusalem. The other important I‘Tikaf in terms of receiving better reward, should be observed in the biggest mosque of the city where there is regular system of offering congregational prayers.The I’tikaf is better to be observed in a mosque where congregational prayers are offered regularly. According to Hazrat Imam Abu Hanifah, I‘Tikaf can only be observed in a mosque where congregational prayers exist but according to Imam Muhammad and Abu Yusuf, it can be observed in any mosque. The blessings of I ‘Tikaf can be only observed in case one has envisioned to observe it and if a person stays in a mosque for a long time without having any intention of I ‘Tikaf, it will not be considered I Tikaf.The time for the Sunnat I’tikaf starts from the Sunset on the 20th of Ramzan and lasts till the moon is sighted whether on 29th or 30th of Ramzan. The person who intends to observe I ‘Tikaf, should present himself in the mosque a little before the Sunset on the 20th of Ramzan and in case of a woman, she should confine herself in her house till the moon is sighted on 29th or 30th 0f Ramzan. He or she has not to leave his or her place excepting for natural excuses or for performing ablutions etc. One may leave the place for attending the Friday Prayer, but must return to his place.
It is permissible to disappear from one’s place of I’tikaf for the purpose of relieving oneself, and go to the nearest place and if there is no suitable place or toilet, one may even go to one’s own house for the purpose. It is also permitted to go for a purification bath if there is no facility inside the mosque. The person observing I’Tikaf should preferably take his meals inside the mosque also. The person may also attend a funeral prayer if he intends. The person may also deliver religious or medical advices to the people whenever needed. He is also permitted to help his family in supply of necessary items in case there is nobody to look after such affairs. The Person observing I’tikaf should not engage himself in worldly affairs unless needed and instead he ought to remain silent.
During I’tikaf, one should perform religious duties only and achieve spiritual and moral experiences. After performing I ‘Tikaf one comes out as a pure soul and it becomes his duty to perform and maintain his life as he learns by observing I’tikaf and at the same time try to become a symbol or replica of virtues and nobility for the society.
( The author is Director Academics at J&K Board of School Education –J&K BOSE [email protected])
