Fatwa ID: 04980

Answered by: Maulana Muqtaur Rahman

Question

Will itikaf at home be sunnat or nafl itikaf for men?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

In the light of Fiqh terminology, Itikaf refers to residing in the masjid along with certain characteristics such as the intention and fasting, etc.[1]

This worship symbolizes the act of one’s desperate desires. In the same manner when one is in desperate need and is at the door of the higher authority, likewise Itikaf is the gesture of one being at the house of Allah, persistent not to leave without being forgiven from sins.[2]

The Jurists of Islamic Fiqh have mentioned that a woman may perform Itikaf in the Masjid of her home [3]. This means a place that has been chosen for Salah within the home [4].

As for the male members of the community, Itikaf will only be valid if they perform it in the masjid. Therefore, it will not be permissible for the men to undergo the act of Itikaf within their own homes.[5]

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Muqtaur Rahman

Checked and approved by Mufti MohammedTosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

[1] Al-Ikhtiyar, v.1 pg. 136, Halabi Publishers

[2] Ibid.

[3] Raddul Muhtar, v.2 pg.441, Darul-Fikr Publishers

[4] Badai-Sanai, v.2 pg.113, DKI Publishers

[5] Raddul-Muhtar, v.2 pg.440, Darul-Fikr, Publishers