Worship & Rituals
I'tikaf
Iʿtikāf
A spiritual retreat in the mosque devoted to worship, especially during the last ten days of Ramadan.
What is I'tikaf?
I'tikaf is a spiritual retreat in the mosque, in which a person withdraws from ordinary life to devote themselves entirely to worship — prayer, Quran recitation, remembrance (dhikr), and reflection. It is most associated with the last ten nights of Ramadan, which the Prophet ﷺ would dedicate to I'tikaf in pursuit of Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree.
The Meaning in Depth
I'tikaf is the worship of "staying with Allah": the person in retreat leaves behind work, social life, and distractions, and remains in the mosque with their heart turned to their Lord. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet ﷺ "used to perform I'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah took his soul" (Bukhari 2026). It is a Sunnah, not an obligation, and can in principle be done at any time, but its connection to the final third of Ramadan — when the search for Laylat al-Qadr intensifies — gives it special weight. The retreat trains the soul in focus, detachment from the world, and constancy in worship.
I'tikaf in the Quran
- "...and do not have relations with them while you are in I'tikaf in the mosques..." (2:187)
- "And We charged Ibrahim and Ismail: Purify My House for those who circle it, those who stay (devoted) in it..." (2:125)
Living by This Sunnah
I'tikaf offers a rare chance to step back from the noise of life and reset one's relationship with Allah. Even a short, sincere retreat can renew the heart. The one in I'tikaf fills the hours with prayer, Quran, and supplication, seeking the immense reward of Laylat al-Qadr — a night "better than a thousand months" (97:3). For those unable to commit many days, scholars note that even a portion of time spent devoted in the mosque carries its spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is I'tikaf performed?
It can be done at any time, but the strongly recommended Sunnah is the last ten days of Ramadan, following the Prophet's practice, to seek Laylat al-Qadr. Some enter the mosque before sunset on the 20th of Ramadan and remain until Eid.
Is I'tikaf only for men?
No. Women may also perform I'tikaf; the wives of the Prophet ﷺ did so. Scholars discuss the specific conditions and place, but the act of devoted retreat for worship is open to both men and women according to the rulings of one's school.
Etymology & origin
I'tikaf (الاعتكاف) is from the root ʿ-K-F (ع-ك-ف), meaning "to devote oneself, to remain, to cling to a place". I'tikaf is a spiritual retreat: secluding oneself in a mosque, cutting off worldly engagements, and devoting the time entirely to the worship of Allah — especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
References
- Quran:
- 2:125, 2:187, 97:1, 97:3, 22:25
- Hadith:
- Bukhari 2025-2026 / Muslim 1172 (the Prophet performed Itikaf the last ten days of Ramadan until his death); Bukhari 2033 (his wives performing Itikaf after him); Muslim 1167 (seeking Laylat al-Qadr in the last ten nights)
Related terms
Dhikr
The remembrance of God through repeated words of praise, glorification, and supplication; commanded abundantly in the Quran and central to spiritual life.
Laylat al-Qadr
The "Night of Power" in the last ten nights of Ramadan, described in the Quran as better than a thousand months; the night the Quran began to be revealed.
Ramadan
The ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar, the month of obligatory fasting and the revelation of the Quran.
Tahajjud
The night vigil prayer offered after waking from sleep, before Fajr; the most beloved Nafilah of the Prophet ﷺ.
Tarawih
Voluntary congregational night prayers performed during the nights of Ramadan after the Isha prayer.