THE TIME IS NEAR

 FAJR REMINDER: THE TIME IS NEAR!

By: Umm Affān

Ramaḍān 20, 1447 (9-March-2026)

It is time to abandon worldly activities and engage in I’tikāf, which involves secluding oneself in a Masjid where Jumu’ah prayer is observed and dedicating oneself more to the worship of Allāh during the last ten days of Ramaḍān. Ā'ishah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anha) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) would perform I’tikāf at the Masjid during these last ten nights of Ramaḍān until Allāh Almighty caused him to pass away. After his passing, his wives continued this practice. [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Buḫārī 2026, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1172]

I’tikāf is thus a Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) and is quite different from Khalwa, which is considered a heretical innovation in Islām. Like all acts of worship, I’tikāf should be performed solely for the Sake of Allāh, seeking His Closeness and not for the admiration of others. Therefore, having a good intention is crucial. Eesā (‘Alayhi Salām) remarked: “(The man most devoted to Allāh is) he who labors for the Sake of Allāh without seeking the praise of mankind.” [Az-Zuhd lil Imām ‘Abdillāh Ibn Mubārak p. 34, 134]

Those performing I’tikāf must be Muslims—both men and women—who are purified from Janābah (major impurity), as well as menstrual or postpartum bleeding. Women should seek the consent of their husbands (or fathers) before going and should only leave if it does not lead to Fitnah (temptation) for others. Ibn Mufliḥ Al-Ḥanbalī (Raḥimahullāh) stated: “It is prohibited for a woman to go out of her husband’s house without his permission, except in cases of necessity, or Shar‘i obligations." [Al-Ādāb Ash-Shar‘iyyah, 3/375]

Additionally, individuals should arrive at the Masjid no later than Fajr on the twenty-first day and should remain until after sunset on the last day. However, it is preferable to proceed from the Masjid to the Muṣalla (prayer ground) for ‘Eid. Ā‘ishah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anha) reported: “The Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) observed I’tikāf every Ramaḍān and when he had prayed Fajr he would enter the place where he observed I’tikāf.” [Ṣaḥiḥ al-Bukhārī 2041] This Ḥadīth suggests that he (ﷺ) would enter the Masjid at sunset on the twentieth day, marking the beginning of the last ten nights. [See Fatāwā Aṣ-Ṣiyām p. 501-503]

Therefore, actions that nullify one’s I’tikāf include: intentionally leaving the Masjid without a pressing need, losing consciousness due to insanity or intoxication, menstrual or postpartum bleeding. Ā‘ishah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anha) said: “The Sunnah for the Mu’takif is not to visit any sick person, or attend any funeral, or touch or be intimate with any woman, or go out for any reason except those which cannot be avoided.” [Sunan Abī Dāwūd 2473]

Those performing I’tikāf are strongly encouraged to engage in numerous supererogatory acts of worship. This includes prayer, reciting the Qur'ān, giving charity, expressing gratitude and praise to Allāh, seeking forgiveness, and sending prayers and salutations to the Prophet (ﷺ). Most importantly, they should refrain from vain discussions.

I beseech Allāh to accept our acts of worship. Aameen.