Chapter on Iʿtikāf
Introduction

Linguistically, iʿtikāf means to adhere to something and confine oneself to it. Allah says, “Look at your god to which you remained devoted” [20:97]—that is, the deity whose worship you continually upheld.

Legally, iʿtikāf is: a person’s staying within a mosque, in a specific manner, for the purpose of obeying Allah Most High.

Iʿtikāf is a sunnah and an act of devotion established by the Qurʾan, the Sunnah, and the consensus of the scholars.

1. The Qurʾan: “Do not have relations with them while you are in retreat in the mosques” [2:187]; and, “We commanded Abraham and Ishmael, ‘Purify My House for those who circumambulate it, remain in retreat, and bow and prostrate’” [2:125].

2. The Prophetic Sunnah is replete with his—blessings and peace be upon him—practice of iʿtikāf, his encouragement of it, and his approval of it.

3. Consensus: the scholars unanimously affirm its legitimacy and agree that it is recommended, not obligatory.

Imam Aḥmad said, “I know of no scholar who differed about its being sunnah.” The scholars also concur that it is recommended at all times, though it is especially emphasized in Ramadan, and most strongly in its last ten nights.

Wisdom behind it:
Ibn al-Qayyim said, “Since the rectitude of the heart and its steadfast progress on the path to Allah…"