Fiqh Guide to Itikaf: Rules and Rulings

1. Definition and Types

Itikaf means remaining in a mosque with the specific intention (Niyyah) of worship. Rules vary based on the category of Itikaf:

A. Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Emphasized Sunnah)

• Timeframe: The last ten days of Ramadan.
• Start: Enter the mosque immediately before sunset on the 20th day of Ramadan.
• End: Depart after sunset on the final day of Ramadan, or once the moon sighting confirms Eid.
• Requirement: You must fast to validate this type of Itikaf.

B. Wajib (Obligatory)

• Timeframe: This applies when a Muslim makes a vow (Nazr) to perform Itikaf (e.g., “If I pass my exam, I will perform Itikaf for three days”).
• Requirement: You must fast and specify both your intention and the duration.

C. Nafl (Voluntary)

• Timeframe: Any amount of time—even a few minutes—spent in the mosque with the intention of Itikaf.
• Requirement: This requires neither fasting nor a specific duration. Perform this whenever you enter the mosque.

2. Prerequisites for Itikaf (Shurut)

To ensure a valid Itikaf, you must meet these conditions:

• Niyyah (Intention): Establish a clear intention in your heart before entering seclusion. Specify whether the act is Sunnah, Wajib, or Nafl.
• Location (Masjid): Perform Itikaf in a mosque that hosts congregational prayers. For Sunnah Itikaf, scholars prefer a mosque that holds Jumu’ah (Friday) prayers.
• Ritual Purity: You must remain free from major ritual impurity. Women must not be in a state of Haid (menstruation) or Nifas (post-natal bleeding). All participants must be free from Janabah.
• Aql (Sanity): The participant must possess a sound mind. Children who have reached the age of discernment may also participate.
• Fasting: Fasting is mandatory for Sunnah Mu’akkadah and Wajib Itikaf, but not for Nafl.

3. Acts that Invalidate Itikaf (Mubtilat)

The core principle requires the participant to remain within mosque boundaries except for absolute necessities.

A. Leaving Without Permissible Reason

Leaving the mosque for any unnecessary reason, even for a moment, nullifies the entire Itikaf. Invalidating acts include:

• Visiting the sick or attending a funeral.
• Engaging in business or trade outside the mosque.
• Leaving to talk to family or friends when you could do so inside.
• Leaving for Ghusl (ritual bath) if the mosque provides adequate facilities.

B. Major Impurity

Intentional sexual relations nullify the Itikaf. If you experience major ritual impurity (such as a wet dream), you must leave the mosque to perform Ghusl, which may impact the continuity of your stay depending on the school of thought.

4. Permitted Acts (Mubahat)

While in seclusion (Mu’takif), you may perform the following:

• Necessities: Leave for essential human needs, such as using the restroom or performing Wudu (ablution) and Ghusl if mosque facilities are inadequate.
• Jumu’ah: Attend Friday prayer in another mosque if your current mosque does not host it.
• Eating and Sleeping: You may eat, drink, and rest within the mosque.
• Personal Hygiene: You may comb your hair, cut your nails, wear clean clothes, or use non-fragranced oils.
• Medical Needs: Seek urgent medical treatment if necessary, provided you stay as close to the mosque as possible.

5. Recommended Actions (Mustahabbat)

Maximize your spiritual gain by focusing on these activities:

• Deepen Worship: Fill your time with voluntary prayers (Nawafil), Quranic recitation, and Dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
• Spiritual Knowledge: Study Islamic sciences like Fiqh, Hadith, or Tafsir.
• Repentance: Increase Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) and Dua (supplication).
• Minimize Idle Talk: Refrain from unnecessary conversations, gossip, or arguments to keep your heart focused on Allah.