ভূমিকা

I’tikaf: The Spiritual Retreat 2 - Al-Shia The Scientific and Cultural Website of Shia belief I’tikaf: The Spiritual Retreat 2 2023-02-15 1086 Views I'tikaf , Spiritual Retreat In continuation of the discussion on I’tikaf, we shall highlight in this article some of its conditions and rulings.

📌Contents Time Period (Length) of the I’tikaf Time of I’tikaf Permission of the Guardian The Intention (Niyyah) for I’tikaf Time and Place of the Intention of the I’tikaf The Place for I’tikaf Prohibited Acts During I’tikaf Notes: Time Period (Length) of the I’tikaf The person performing I’tikaf must stay in this state for a minimum of three complete days from the sunrise of the first day until the sunset of the third day (for example if he starts I’tikaf on Monday at Fajr time, he must complete it until Thursday at Maghrib time).

The first two days of I’tikaf are recommended and if a person wishes, he may leave after this period and end his I’tikaf, however, if he completes two full days of I’tikaf in the Masjid (until the Maghrib of the second day), then it becomes obligatory upon him to continue his fast on the third day and to stay in the Masjid for the remaining period of his I’tikaf – meaning till the time of Maghrib of the third day.

Similarly, if a person goes into I’tikaf for 5 days, the 6th day becomes obligatory; and if he goes into I’tikaf for 8 days then the 9th day becomes obligatory, and so on…. Thus, I’tikaf is for 3 full days and 2 nights which are in between these days and this period must be maintained. In this ruling, just as that of the daily Salat, the meaning of three complete days means three periods of Fajr to Maghrib.

Time of I’tikaf Anytime in which fasting is permissible is an opportune time for I’tikaf and the state of I’tikaf does not have a specific time related to it. Of course, the “White Days” which are the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the lunar month and the last ten days of the Month of Ramadhan are the best times for this spiritual exercise. Therefore, one cannot make I’tikaf on the day of ‘Eid since it is forbidden to fast on that day and similarly, he cannot start I’tikaf two days before ‘Eid.

It has been mentioned that the Prophet of Islam (blessings of Allah be upon him and his family) used to perform I’tikaf in the Month of Ramadhan in the first 10 days (three days), the second 10 days (three days) and then in the last ten days (three days) as well.

✦ ✦ ✦