I'TIKAAF (THE RETREAT)

I'tikaaf during the last ‘A’shrah (the last ten days) of Ramadhan is a Sunnah (practice) that Rasulullah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) observed regularly. However, in the penultimate year of his life, while on a journey, he was unable to observe it. The following year, he observed twenty days instead of ten. This is why the ‘Ulama say that the I'tikaaf during the last ten days of Ramadhan is a Sunnah Mu'akkadah. However, since Rasulullah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) did not express any displeasure towards those who did not observe it, the ‘Ulama say that it is a Sunnah Mu'akkadah Kifaayah, meaning it is Mu'akkadah for the residents of a locality, not for each individual. In other words, if one person observes I'tikaaf, the responsibility of the community is discharged. If no one observes it, the entire locality will be held accountable for neglecting a Sunnah Mu'akkadah (a regular practice of Rasulullah [Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam]). This is referred to as Sunnah Mu'akkadah Kifaayah.

It is therefore important that at least one person observes I'tikaaf during the last ten days of Ramadhan in each locality.

SOME RULES ON I'TIKAAF

1. The person intending to observe I'tikaaf for the last ten days of Ramadhan must enter the place of I'tikaaf (i.e., the mosque or, for a woman, a designated area in her home) before sunset on the 20th day of Ramadhan.
2. A Mu'takif (a person who observes I'tikaaf) is not allowed to leave the place of I'tikaaf except for fulfilling natural needs (e.g., using the toilet) and religious needs (e.g., performing wudu or Farz ghusal).
3. Leaving the place of I'tikaaf for reasons other than those mentioned above nullifies the I'tikaaf.
4. In addition to nullifying the I'tikaaf, the Mu'takif will incur the sin of deliberately leaving the place of I'tikaaf.
5. If the Mu'takif leaves the place of I'tikaaf to help someone in need or to save someone's life, there will be no sin, but the I'tikaaf will still be nullified.
6. The I'tikaaf of a person who leaves to perform the Salah of Janaazah (funeral prayer) or to visit a sick person will also be nullified.
7. A person who falls ill and has to abandon I'tikaaf should only make up for the missed days. While making up the missed days of I'tikaaf, the person should also observe the fast (Roza). It is preferable to complete the full ten days of I'tikaaf during this time, while also fasting.

[English version of "L'tikaaf (retraite)" – Al Haadi – Vol. 2 No. 3]