I'tikaf other than during Ramadan

14-4-2002 | IslamWeb

Question:

What is the ruling on l'tikaf at the time other than Ramadan? Should it be done? A brother suggested doing l'tikaf for just the weekend and I could not find any Fatwa on this issue.

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Answer:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

Muslim scholars have agreed upon that I'tikaf (retiring into a mosque for devotion) is merely a Sunnah. It becomes obligatory only when a person makes a vow. Imam Ibn al-Munzir reported about this agreement and Imam Ibn Qudamah reported from him in his book, "al-Mughni". It is not restricted to a specific period; it can be practiced in Ramadan and other than Ramadan but it is superior in Ramadan particularly in the last ten days of Ramadan. Imam Bukhari narrates from Ayisha (Radiya Allahu Anha) who said: "The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) used to practice I'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives (Radiya Allahu Anhunna) used to practice I'tikaf after him" . She also said that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) performed I'tikaf in the last ten days of the month of Shawwal.( Reported by Imam al-Bukhari)
Therefore, there is no harm in practicing I'tikaf in a specific day of a week or a month if it is convenient for one or he can do only in that day provided one should not believe that the I'tikaf in that day (appointed by him) is Sunnah.
Allah knows best.