I'tikaf — The Blessed Seclusion in the Mosque
fiqh
Level: intermediate
salah
fqh-027
وَأَنتُمۡ عَٰكِفُونَ فِي ٱلۡمَسَٰجِدِ
— البقرة 187
Verse: "And do not have relations with them while you are residing in the mosques for worship." (2:187)
Definition: I'tikaf: remaining in the mosque with the intention of drawing near to Allah while cutting off from worldly preoccupations.
Ruling: A confirmed Sunnah — especially in the last ten nights of Ramadan. "The Prophet ﷺ used to observe i'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah took him." (Bukhari & Muslim)
Benefits: Dedicating oneself to Allah's worship without distraction; catching Laylat Al-Qadr; training willpower and spiritual discipline.
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari (2025), Muslim (1172); Ibn Qudama (3/184)
Question: What is the ruling on i'tikaf and when is it best performed?
Answer: A confirmed Sunnah — best performed in the last ten nights of Ramadan seeking Laylat Al-Qadr.