Itikaf in last 10 days of Ramadhan
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
Answer
Itikaf means literally to retreat and Islamically means to enter the mosque with the intention of worship. (Raddul Muhtar p.428 v.3)
There are three types of Itikaf:
- Wajib: To vow or pledge to enter the mosque for the sake of Allah upon the fulfilment of some vow or wish. The least duration of wajib Itikaf is one day and night and it must be accompanied by a fast.
- Sunnat Muakkada: To reside the last ten days and nights of Ramadhan in the Mosque is Sunnat Muakkadah Al-Kifayah. If a person from the community fulfils it, the obligation from the entire community will be uplifted. If not, all will be sinful.
- Mustuhub or Nafl: This Itikaf can be done for any amount of time, even for a few minutes. Fasting is not a condition for this type of Itikaf. (Raddul Muhtar p.430-p.431 v.3)
Saaiduna Ibn Umar Radiallahu Anhu narrates that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Anahi Wasalam used to observe Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadhan. (Sahih Bukhari p.271 v.1)
Only Allah Knows Best
Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
