I'tikaaf

The observation of I'tikaaf during the last ten days of Ramadaan was the continuous practice of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam. The devotion that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam attached to this beautiful Sunnah can be understood by the fact that on the occasion when he missed I'tikaaf due to an expedition, he observed twenty days of I'tikaaf the following year.

Undisturbed seclusion in the Masjid is indeed an excellent way to engage oneself in personal communication with Allah Ta'ala. Away from the comfort of the home, family members and daily work routine, I'tikaaf enhances one's proximity to Allah Ta'ala and secures the internal and external purification of the Mu'takif.

Hazrat Ibn Abbas Radhiyallahu Anhu reports that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, “Whosoever performs I'tikaaf for a day thereby seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala, Allah Ta'ala will open three trenches between him and the fire of hell, the width of each (trench) being the distance between the heaven and the earth.” (Tabraani)

The Sunnat I'tikaaf for this year will commence at sunset on Friday, 18 July 2014.