Iʿtikāf
Definition
I'tikaf is the practice of retreating into the mosque for a concentrated period of worship — most commonly in the last ten nights of Ramadan, following the prophetic practice. During i'tikaf, the person minimises all worldly engagement and dedicates the time entirely to prayer, Quran recitation, dhikr, and supplication. Al-Ghazali presents i'tikaf as the pinnacle of Ramadan practice: the month of fasting culminates in a period of near-total withdrawal from the world that gives the believer a taste of what the heart could be if it were never distracted by worldly demands.
As understood in the classical tradition of Imam al-Ghazali and the scholars of his school.
How the scholars use Iʿtikāf.
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"I have fasted, and upon your provision I have broken my fast. Glory be to you and with your praise, O Allah, except from us, for you are the all-hearing, the all-knowing. Book of Itikaf. It is recommended to perform Itikaf. Itikaf should only be performed in a mosque where congregational prayers are held, and it is preferable to do it in a central mosque the itikaf spans days that include a Friday. Itikaf is valid without fasting but it is better to do it while fasting as it helps to focus the mind, aids in subduing the self, and aligns with the purpose of itikaf. Itikaf involves confining oneself to a specific place and adhering to it consistently. Allah"
— Shaykh Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani, Al-Ghunya li-Ṭālibī Ṭarīq al-Ḥaqq — Volume One
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"says in Surah Al-Anbiya, what are these statues to which you are devoted? It is a practice inherited from the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and his companions, as the Prophet performed itikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan and continued to do so until Allah took his soul. He encouraged his companions to do the saying, whoever wishes to perform itikaf should do so during the last ten days. During itikaf, one should engage in activities that bring them closer to Allah, such as reciting the Quran, glorifying Allah, proclaiming his oneness, and reflecting. One should avoid speech and actions that"
— Shaykh Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani, Al-Ghunya li-Ṭālibī Ṭarīq al-Ḥaqq — Volume One
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"Teaching and reciting the Quran to others is permissible as its benefit extends to others, making it more rewarding than focusing solely on oneself. Leaving the place of itikaf is permissible for necessary reasons, such as bathing from impurity, eating, drinking, relieving oneself, and in cases of fear for one's safety from temptation or severe illness. When the conditions for hajj are met, it becomes obligatory to perform hajj and umrah immediately. These conditions include being a free, sane, adult Muslim who has the means for the journey, a safe path free from enemies, the ability to travel, sufficient time to"
— Shaykh Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani, Al-Ghunya li-Ṭālibī Ṭarīq al-Ḥaqq — Volume One
Appears in
1 book in the library
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