Itikaf: A Guide to a Spiritual Retreat During Ramadan

Image by Hungry for Halaal


Ramadan is widely recognized as a month that fundamentally changes how Muslims live and worship Allah. It is a moment when the soul is reawakened to reflect on how far it has progressed spiritually while also striving to enhance its connection with the Almighty Allah. Apart from fasting, prayers, and charitable giving throughout this holy month, Itikaf is another spiritual activity that brings Muslims closer to Allah. As a result, today's blog will look at the definitions of Itikaf, as well as its advantages and how to perform it.


What is Itikaf?

Itikaf is a moment when you isolate yourself from the outer world in a mosque to worship Allah. This normally occurs during the last ten days of Ramadan. The last ten days Muslims believed to be the most blessed days. Because Laylatul Qadr falls on one of the days, which is the night that the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Therefore,  during this period, the participant in this spiritual purity journey refrains from indulging in any activity that may interfere with his commitment to Allah. The goal of this spiritual isolation is to strengthen one's connection with Allah and seek his forgiveness for known and unknown sins in one's life.


During Itikaf, the act of spending a considerable amount of time reciting the Holy Qur'an is the most widely practiced form of devotion. This is carried out to gain a deep understanding of the words being recited. Besides the obligatory five daily prayers, individuals are encouraged to perform additional voluntary prayers, such as Taraweeh and other Nawafils. During these prayers, one is expected to be fully immersed in the remembrance of Allah (dhikr). Furthermore, individuals are encouraged to seek knowledge about Islam by studying and reading Islamic texts. 


Benefits of Itikaf

To begin with, unlike fasting and participating in worldly activities, Itikaf allows you to focus only on how to serve Allah and seek his infinite blessings. Because it will allow you to concentrate on your worship, thereby you will be able to readjust and adapt to connect with Allah more profoundly. 


Undoubtedly, Itikaf yields spiritual benefits that include strengthening an individual's relationship with Allah, increased mindfulness, and self-reflection. Additionally, it fosters a deeper understanding of the Quran, heightened empathy and compassion, and renewed spiritual aspirations.


How to Perform Itikaf

Itikaf is usually performed during the last ten days of Ramadan. Even though the Quran and Hadith didn't specify specific lengths of Itikaf, however, the Prophet (PBUH) lived his life performing in 10 days. The Prophet (PBUH)said that  “Whoever stands the nights of Ramadan in prayer out of faith and seeking reward shall have their previous sins forgiven.” (Bukhari & Muslim). Therefore, you are encouraged to follow suit for the blessings to acquire.


As a result, the instant you go into the mosque where you want to participate in this magnificent life-changing experience, you will shut yourself off from all outside distractions. Smartphones and other electronic devices that let you socialize, for example, are prohibited. Any commercial transactions or other related activities are also prohibited. You have entered into a state of complete seclusion in order to eliminate all external disturbances. Your purpose for observing Itikaf is to dedicate yourself entirely to the worship of Allah and fully engage in His glorification.


Additionally, you must maintain good hygiene and properly follow mosque etiquette. Any talk that is not about religion and how to enhance your spiritual purity is strongly discouraged since it might lead to quarrels, which is bad. You are required to concentrate completely on how to please Allah.


On the other hand, you should plan ahead of time. First and foremost, you must have a genuine intention of accomplishing it for the sake of Allah rather than for someone else. Make arrangements for someone to bring you meals from home, and bring anything else you will need, such as soap, the Qur'an, a prayer mat, a mosquito net, a blanket, and other snacks.


In the end, Ramadan is a time of spiritual purification in which you get closer to Allah and beg His forgiveness. It is also a period of intense devotion and reflection on ways to enhance your faith and spiritual resolve. Those who endure Itikaf get a rare spiritual rebirth and receive Allah's blessings. As a result, if you intend to participate, you should seek further clarification from established Islamic scholars. 

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