Last 10 days of Ramadan Rulings of Itikaf

I`tikaf is the seclusion and staying in the mosque with the intention of becoming closer to Allah, and it was the practice of the Prophet (sa) during the last 10 days of Ramadan: 'Aisha reported that the Messenger of Allah, (sa), used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, "Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan" [Bukhari] 'Aisha reported that the Prophet used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives used to practice I`tikaf after him.

Al-Bukhari records from Abu Said that the Prophet (S) said “Whoever makes I`tikaf with me is to make I'tikaf during the last ten [nights]."

In regards to performing the itikaf – the following should be noted: It has no specific time limit. It can be fulfilled by staying in the mosque with the intention for a long or short time. The reward will be according to how long one stays in the mosque. If one leaves the mosque and then returns, he should renew his intention

Also one who is performing the itikaf of Ramadan can end his seclusion at any time even if before the 10 days: 'Aishah related that if the Prophet intended to make itikaf, he would pray the morning prayer and begin it. One time he wanted to make i`tikaf during the last ten nights of Ramadan, and he ordered his tent to be set up. Aishah reported: "When I saw that, I ordered my tent to be set up, and some of the Prophet's wives followed suit. When he [the Prophet] prayed the morning prayer, he saw all of the tents, and said: "What is this?" They said: "We are seeking obedience [to Allah and His Messenger]." Then he ordered his tent and those of his wives to be taken down, and he delayed his i`tikaf to the first ten days [of Shawwal]." [Bukhari]

How should one spend his time while in seclusion? Perform supererogatory acts of worship Occupy himself with prayers, reciting the Qur'an, glorifying and praising Allah Ask forgiveness Send blessings on the Prophet Included among these actions is studying and reading books of tafsir and hadith, books on the lives of the Prophets, books of fiqh – listening to Sunnahfollowers Website lectures and the joining of the classes It is also preferred to set up a small tent in the courtyard of the mosque as the Prophet did.

Things that a person in Itakaf can do: The Person may leave his place of I`tikaf to bid farewell to his wife and a Woman can visit her husband who is in I`tikaf

Combing and cutting one's hair, clipping one's nails, cleaning one's body, wearing nice clothes or wearing perfume are all permissible: 'Aishah reported: "The Prophet was Performing itikaf and he would put his head out through the opening to my room and I would clean [or comb in one narration] his hair. I was menstruating at the time." [al-Bukhari, Muslim, and Abu Dawud].

Again you can only leave for something such as answering the call of nature, or something such as that Only: 'Aishah reported: "When the Prophet Performed I`tikaf, he brought his head close to me so I could comb his hair, and he would not enter the house except to fulfill the needs a person has." [al-Bukhari, and Muslim].

While in Itakaf the person does all of the following: Eat, drink, and sleep in the mosque, and he should also keep it clean.

Actions that Nullify or breaks the I`tikaf : Intentionally leaving the mosque without any need to do so, even if it is for just a short time. Abandoning belief in Islam, as this would nullify all acts of worship. Losing one's reason due to insanity or drunkenness Menstruation or post-childbirth bleeding Sexual intercourse

I`tikaf is not restricted to men only, women also can do it : 'Aisha (the wife of the Prophet) reported that the Prophet used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives used to practice I`tikaf after him. [Bukhari]