Itikaf
Itikaf is one of the most important elements of spotting Laylatul Qadr, and while it is most often thought to be exclusively part of Ramadan Itikaf can be preformed outside of Ramadan. Itikaf is when a Muslim man or women spends a certain number of days in the majid in order to block out worldly thoughts and actions, and pray and study their religion.
Hadith on Itikaf in Ramadan:
*Note: Itikaf does not have to last a long period of time it can last a minimum of 1 hour.
Aa’ishah narrated that when the Prophet (SAW) observed I’tikaf, he did not enter the house except to relieve himself.
Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used not to enter the house except for things that a person needs when he was observing I’tikaf.
This means that a person performing itikaf is permitted to leave the majid to use the bathroom, for food if there is no one to bring it to him and to bathe. This is permissible as long as the person observing itikaf dose not take long to complete the tasks.
*Note: a person can break itikaf if they become sick and are experiencing extreme discomfort.
Aa’ishah: “There should be no I’tikaf except in a mosque in which prayers in congregation are held (masjid jamaa’ah).”
Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “There should be no I’tikaf except in a mosque in which prayer is established.”
These two hadith establish that itikaf should not be performed in a majid that does not pray congregational prayer or prayer is not prayed together behind an imam.
Narrated Aishah (may allah be pleased with her), said: “The Prophet (PBUH) used to practise Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives used to practise Itikaf after him.”
I conclude with a hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas (may allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: (about him who engages in i’tikaf), “that he is safe from sin and he also gets that reward which everyone (outside i’tikaf) gets for pious deeds.”
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Aspects of Ramadan
Kurgu OlmayanAspects of Ramadan covers different topics about Ramadan ranging from different rewards you can earn during the month of Ramadan to the different types of Zakat (charity) you can earn during the month or Ramadan. Look forward to new posts every day...
