Permission of the Guardian As mentioned previously in passing...

Permission of the Guardian As mentioned previously in passing, I’tikaf performed without the permission of his guardian or any person whose rights would be taken away if the person was to go in a state of I’tikaf is not correct. Thus, it is for this reason that the wife must also take her husband’s permission if her I’tikaf would infringe on martial rights with his wife.

Similarly, if one’s parents are not happy or are concerned for their son or daughter and do not permit him to make I’tikaf, then the child is not permitted to go forth for this (recommended) act of worship. The Intention (Niyyah) for I’tikaf The intention for I’tikaf is of three main types.

The most common form is the recommended I’tikaf, however, it can also become obligatory (wajib) if a person makes an oath or promise to Allah for the fulfillment of something (and in that oath, he had promised Allah that he would perform I’tikaf if his prayer is fulfilled).

The third intention which can be made for I’tikaf is that it is being done on behalf of someone else – similar to how people perform Hajj for their deceased relatives or makeup missed prayers of parents who have passed away or others. Therefore, it is necessary for the correctness of I’tikaf to specify the intention and the type that one wants to perform.

Time and Place of the Intention of the I’tikaf The intention must be made from the beginning of the time of Fajr on the first day and it is not permissible to delay it until the end of the time of Fajr (just before sunrise), however, if just before the rising of the sun of Fajr, one makes his intention, this will still be sufficient.

At the time of making intention for I’tikaf, the person must be inside the Masjid in which he/she wishes to perform I’tikaf, however, if at the beginning time of Fajr he leaves to redo his Wudhu or for another important task, then he is still able to do his intention (upon returning).

The Place for I’tikaf The place of I’tikaf must be the Masjid and therefore, performing I’tikaf in any place other than a Masjid such as a room or a hall used for Salat, a Musalla (a specific building which is made only for Jam’at Salat and other places like this (which are not proper Masajid) is not correct.