Editorial | Itikaf – Sojourn at Allah’s Home!

We literally are on the cusp of completion of yet another Ramadan in our lives with this particular month seemingly having hastened its pace more thick and fast unlike previous years. Anyways, we still are left with these many days and we shall make every effort to make them count. The holy month of Ramadan, to the understanding of the larger part of society, is virtually divided into three Ashras, where each Ashra (division) comprises of 10 days. The first part reflects the Mercy of Allah (Rehmah), the Second part the Forgiveness of Allah (Maghfirah) and the third part reflects the Safety from Hell (Nijat). However, one thing that is more peculiar to the last ten days is the ‘Itikaf’ – which means to be in isolation in a Masjid or at home (specific to women according to several schools of thought) with the intention of solely dedicating one’s time to the worship of Allah (SWT). It is Sunnah-al-Muaqidah (Sunnah that is urged to be performed) to sit in Itikaf in the last 10 days of Ramadan. A person has to mandatorily commence his Itikaf after sunset of 20th of Ramadan, and end it when the moon for Eid is sighted. The Sunnah stays the same if the month of Ramadan is of 29 or 30 days. One may sit in Itikaf at any other time of the year for any duration, though this kind of Itikaf is Mustahab (optional). It is compulsory for men to perform Itikaf in a Masjid, where they can offer all five prayers in congregation. Women can also perform in a Masjid if they have the privacy and necessary facilities. Otherwise, they can practice it at home, selecting a corner where they won’t be disturbed and can meditate in peace. Sitting in Itikaf doesn’t deprive a person from his or her basic/daily needs, though he/she needs to restrain from performing otherwise routine activities, all so to devote much of his or her time to recite Al Quran, recite Darud (salutations on Prophet Muhammad SAW), read about Islam, make lots of Dua for one’s self and every other, talk and think about the good and righteous things, do much Taubah (repentance). It is a highly revered practice in the eyes of Almighty Allah and is much emphasized upon by our Prophet Muhammad (SAW). May Allah bless all those who are observing and keeping up with this revered practice and may Allah accept all their genuine and sincere prayers (for them and) for us all.