By Haroon Balogun

Ramadan fast has been prescribed for all Muslims for the development of their souls and to enable them subdue their carnal appetites. This much exertion and sacrifice of sensual desires has been made obligatory upon every Muslim; that he neither eats nor drinks anything nor seek sexual satisfaction during the day in the blessed month, in compliance with the command of Allah (SWT) and in the process avoid all sinful acts. The most important part of Ramadan is said to be the last 10 days. The revelation of the Qur’an, the night of majesty, the blessings, among others, had been perfected in it. It is this important period for self-purification and for higher spiritual development that I’tikaf (seclusion) becomes necessary.

Asking for forgiveness

The last 10 days of Ramadan should be spent in prayer, seeking Allah’s mercy and asking for forgiveness, abide in Masjid, searching for Layalat-ul-Qadr or carrying out good deeds, reflecting on your actions and in the Holy Qur’an. One of the greatest traditions of Islam, the spark of which has become a popular issue at this period of Ramadan, is I’tikaf. This is a tradition which has been in Islam from the first days of the revelation and is also something known and recognised as the practice of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) as ordained by Allah (SWT).

He said: “And when We made the House a pilgrimage for mankind and a (place of) security, and said ‘Appoint for yourselves a place of prayer on the standing-place of Ibrahim (Maqama-Ibrahim).’ And We enjoined Ibrahim and Ismail saying: ‘Purify My House for those who visit (it) and those who abide (in it) for devotion, those who bow down (and) those who prostrate themselves.’ Q 2:125

I’tikaf means to stay in the Mosque with the intention of abiding in it for the sake of Allah (SWT). The purpose of such stay in the Mosque is ibadah inorder  to get closer to Allah. What is important in this period is to obey the commandments of Allah (SWT), to refrain from the things which He has prohibited and to be in His service. There are some conditions that must be considered. These are:

Sound state of mind: Thus, the person must not be mentally unstable; True Faith (Eeman): Belief is the only thing that distinguishes the non-Muslim and the Muslim performing Itikaf.

Permission: I’tikaf could infringe on the man’s marital rights with his wife and other members of the family if their consent was not sought. It becomes necessary for the Mutakif to seek permission from  his spouse or family before embarking on it. Similarly, if one’s parents are not happy about his absence for days, or such action will cause harm to the parents, then the Muslim is not permitted to go forth for this act of worship. One must have the permission of the parents, spouse or anyone he is responsible to.

Intention: I’tikaf must be performed for the purpose of seeking closeness to Allah and not to show off or to satisfy social needs. Fasting during I’tikaf: The person who is not able to fast, for whatever reason, is deprived from this act of worship. Therefore, if a person is a traveler or one who is not able to fast due to some impediments, he cannot partake in I’tikaf. Place: One must stay inside the Mosque for the entire period for his I’tikaf to be correct.