I’tikaf is a deeply spiritual practice observed during the last ten days of Ramadhan, where a Muslim retreats to the masjid for dedicated worship, reflection, and closeness to Allah (SWT). It is a time of solitude, free from worldly distractions, allowing the heart and soul to connect with the Creator.

This practice was highly emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who observed it regularly and encouraged his followers to do the same. But what exactly is i’tikaf, and why do Muslims dedicate themselves to it? Let’s explore its meaning, purpose, and significance in light of The Quran and Sunnah.

The word I’tikaf comes from the Arabic root which means to adhere to something continuously. In an Islamic context, I’tikaf refers to:

• A spiritual retreat inside a masjid, where a person dedicates their time to worship, prayer, and reflection.
• Typically observed in the last 10 nights of Ramadhan, seeking the special night of Laylat ul Qadr (The Night of Decree).
• A period of isolation from worldly distractions, focusing entirely on remembrance of Allah (SWT) through dhikr, reciting The Quran, and voluntary prayers.

Allah (SWT) mentions I’tikaf in The Quran, highlights its importance when he says, “Do not be intimate with your spouses while you are meditating in the mosques.” (The Clear Quran®, 2:187)

This verse establishes that I’tikaf is an act of devotion performed inside the masjid, requiring full dedication to worship.

Muslims perform I’tikaf for five main reasons:

1. To follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW): During his lifetime, the Prophet (SAW) never abandoned I’tikaf. Even if he missed it one year, he made it up one later. In a hadith, Aisha has reported, “The Prophet used to practice I’tikaf in the last 10 days of Ramadhan till he died and then his wives used to practice I’tikaf after them.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2026)
2. To seek Layat ul Qadr (The Night of Power): One of the greatest motivations for I’tikaf is seeking Laylat ul Qadr, a night which is better than a thousand months! Once again following the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW), he says in a hadith, “Seek Laylat ul Qadr in the last 10 nights of Ramadhan.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
3. To disconnect from the dunya: Modern life is filled with distractions (social media, work, and daily responsibilities. I’tikaf provides an opportunity to detach from worldly concerns, focus entirely on Allah (SWT), purify the heart and renew faith.
4. To strengthen one’s connection with The Quran: During I’tikaf, Muslims dedicate hours to reciting The Quran, reflecting on its meanings, making dua and increasing dhikr. The Prophet (SAW) has said, “The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Quran and teach it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5027)
5. To gain self-discipline and taqwa: I’tikaf is a time of self-discipline, sincerity, and taqwa. This is one of the best times to further your mastery of yourself as self-discipline is a core habit we already instill within ourselves in Ramadhan while fasting. Allah (SWT) says, “O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful of Allah.” (The Clear Quran®, 2:183)

I’tikaf can be performed by men in masaajid, and women in a designated place in their homes if they are unable to go to a masjid. In a hadith, Bibi Aisha (RA) has said, “the Prophet used to practice I’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadhan, and I used to pitch a tent for him, and after offering the morning prayer, he used to enter the tent.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2033)

If you want to prepare for I’tikaf:

• Make the intention (niyyah) for I’tikaf.
• Choose a masjid that holds I’tikaf programs.
• Minimize worldly distractions (for example, phones and unnecessary talks.
• Bring essentials: Quran, dhikr books, and simple necessities.
• Plan daily ibadah goals: Quran recitation, dhikr, and dua.

I’tikaf is a spiritual retreat unlike any other where you have time to disconnect from the world and reconnect with Allah (SWT). It is a powerful way to:

• Follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW).
• Seek the blessings of Laylat ul Qadr.
• Strengthen faith, patience, and sincerity.
• Improve self-discipline and worship.

As Ramadhan approaches its final days, will you take this opportunity to draw closer to Allah (SWT)?