Information on I'tekaf (meditation) needed

[Ruhi_Rose]

Assalaam alaikum and hi everyone! 

Just wondering - can anyone write and let me know to what extent the practice of I'tekaf (Muslim meditation) as done by many during the last 10 days of Ramadan adheres to the Quran.  And, how can I'tekaf be defined along with its duties in this modern age?  Please inform whatever you know about it.  Every bit will help ..... 

[Zainab_M]

Wa'salaam and hi sister rose.  I'tekaf is a very good form of worship.  And yes, it's in accordance with the Quraan.  There is a verse in the Quraan that mentions visiting the Kaa'ba for meditation as a very pious act.  Before logging in, I had read this post of yours and since the past one hour I have been looking for the relevant verse but haven't yet found it.  I'll have to look more in my files or I'll simply have to wait till I come across it in the course of my daily study of the Quraan.  But as soon as I do find it, InshAllah I will post it on this thread.

The Hadith mentions a lot about the Prophet (pbuh) observing I'tekaf.  But since we have no idea which Hadith details are reliable or not (and most are not), we won't rely on Hadith information.  Instead I would prefer to take this information and the great likelihood of the Prophet performing I'tekhaf directly from the Quraan.  Since the Quraan does definitely uphold the act of "meditating" (i.e. I'tekhaf) in the Kaa'ba, therefore I have no doubt that the Prophet must have been greatly inclined towards performing I'tekhaf and surely he must have practiced this form of worship in Ramadan and possibly also at other times.

I'tekhaf can be observed by both men and women.  According to Muslim tradition, men observe I'tekhaf in the mosque while women observe it at home.  But again, I have no doubt that men can also observe it at home if they prefer that.  There's absolutely nothing wrong with men observing I'tekhaf at home, as long as their intent is filled with devotion toward Allah.   

The steps and conditions of I'tekhaf are subjective.  Different people have different ideas as to what one should or should not do during I'tekhaf.  Also according to many thinkers, the duration of I'tekhaf is subjective depending of one's schedule and routine. 

Paraphrasing the interpretations of a modern day Egyptian scholar, Ezz G. Gaad (who is, by the way, a Hadith following scholar), observing I'tekhaf has no fixed durations.  One doesn't necessarily have to observe I'tekhaf for a whole week as is customary among Muslims during the last 10 days of Ramadan.  Instead he mentioned that one can also observe I'tekhaf for one day or one night at anytime of the year.  Whatever the duration, one has to make a clear intent (niyyah) before starting to observe I'tekhaf.  If one observes I'tekhaf for one day, it would start from Fajr to Maghrib.  If one wants to observe it for a night, it would be from Isha to Fajr.  In other words, one is spiritually entitled to vow to observe I'tekhaf anytime, anywhere.  The commonest and most popular period for observing I'tekhaf is of course during the month of Ramadan, mainly for a week during the last 10 days of Ramadan. 

Coming to the conditions of I'tekhaf, we know that I'tekhaf means seclusion for that many days when the person needs to be focused only on thoughts of Allah Almighty.  According to Ezz Gaad, and I must say I  agree with his explanation, during I'tekhaf, I'tekhaf-observers can perform certain other acts as well apart from offering salaat, reading the Noble Quraan and reflecting / thinking on the wonders of Allah.  Some of those acts are as follows:

-  One may write or read Islamic articles or books. 

-  If one is living alone, one can go out to buy food.  However as per my personal opinion, before starting I'tekhaf, the person should make sure that groceries and other household chores are completed for that period during which they intend to be in seclusion for I'tekhaf.  But still, if one runs short of food, medicine or any other such essential commodities and one is alone, they can go out to the store to bring such necessities.
 
-  Of course, one is fully entitled to clean up oneself daily by taking a shower and changing one's clothes.  In fact, physical cleanliness is a necessity for worship as per Allah's dictates.  I recall, a cousin of mine who observed a week's I'tekhaf sometime ago, said that during this time  there's no need to take a full bath.  As per his view, if one is simply sitting at home in a room, one doesn't get dirty.  So, full bath isn't necessary .. just washing face, hands and feet for wudu (ablution) is enough.  But frankly I don't agree with this at all.  One week is too long a period to stay without a full bath even if one is strictly at home.  I cannot even stay without a full bath for single day even if I'm locked up at home for months   However, like I said, these are all subjective issues.

-  While in I'tekhaf, you can go to attend Friday prayers, funerals and visit the sick.  These are part of our religious and ethical duties that worship teaches us. 

- If a friend or relative who doesn't know that you are observing I'tekhaf comes to visit you, don't turn them away without seein them.  Instead, come out of your room or mosque where you are observing I'tekhaf, meet them for a while and then excuse yourself, telling them that you are on I'tekhaf. 

The things one should absolutely avoid are the same as during fasting and Hajj. 

-  Should not backbite, slander, gossip nor use foul language.

-  Avoid all angry arguments, fights or quarrels.  If someone tries to pick up an argument or fight, just ignore and keep away.

-  If you see something wrong happening before you, try to correct it, if the atmosphere seem safe and conducive for it.

Of course, one must avoid all above mentioned acts at all times.  But while fasting, on pilgrimage (Hajj) and while observing I'tekhaf, one needs to be extra careful.

-  Abstainence from sexual relations with spouse during I'tekhaf, just as this is necessary during fasting and Hajj.


Hope this helps

As I've promised, I'll put up that verse from the Glorious Quraan as soon as I find it, InshAllah.

Walaikum salaam again, peace and Allah bless you and your family.  Ameen.

[Heba E. Husseyn]

Good and practical description of Eitekaf.  My mother usually goes for the shorter eitekafs.  I guess for older people, a whole week gets too long.  Instead, frequent shorter ones are easier. 

[Zainab_M]

And here's the verse of the Glorious Quraan that expresses the concept of I'tekaf:

And when We made the House (at Makka) a resort for mankind and sanctuary, (saying): Take as your place of worship the place where Abraham stood (to pray). And We imposed a duty upon Abraham and Ishmael, (saying): Purify My house for those who go around and those who meditate therein and those who bow down and prostrate themselves (in worship). (2:125)  Surah Al-Baqrah

[Ruhi_Rose]

Thanks so much sister Zeynab.  I had read it earlier and found it helpful but didn't get the time to respond.