RAMADAN TIPS 2009

(13) I'tikaf / Aitkaaf

Salams

A little information about Itikaf! If you are intending on doing please share your experience!

Did you know...

Definition: A spiritual retreat in the mosque, usually performed during the last ten days of Ramadan. A person "making i'tikaf" will spend the evening and night in the mosque, devoting his or her time to worship and reading the Qur'an.

Aitkaaf in Islamic terminology means sitting in seclusion in the mosque or wherever you want away from the world and its unnecessary material accessories.

It is a tradition as old as mankind. All Prophets and Sufis did this from time to time, and it was thus how our holy prophet Mohammad (PBUH) got the first revelation.

Hundreds of thousands of faithful will sit in aitkaaf in mosques, shrines and houses throughout the world to follow Sunnah of Holy Prophet (PBUH) to pass the last ashra of Ramazan-ul-Mubarak in isolation so as to fully concentrate on worship of Allah Almighty & explore Laylatul Qadr (more about Laylatul Qadr in tip 21).

Hadith Quotations regarding Aitkaaf;

Go for "Aitkaaf" in the last ashra of Ramadan. Get ready and resolved for worship of Allah. Awake during the nights, and also keep awake members of one's own family.
(Saheeh Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim)

It is better to go for aitkaaf in the second ashra, or the last ashra of Ramadan.
(Saheeh Bukhari)

If, due to travelling, unable to "sit in aitkaaf", then during the next Ramadan, "Sit in aitkaaf "for twenty (20) days.
(Nasai, Abu Dawood, Sanad Saheeh)

If, due to any reason, is unable to complete the aitkaaf in the last ashra of Ramadan, then go for aitkaaf in the last ashra of Shawwal month.
(Saheeh Bukhari)