Ramadan Talk Day 19: Why and how to do Iʿtikāf: Do’s and don’ts

2026-03-08 - 05:26

The purpose of Iʿtikāf is to achieve undivided devotion to Allah. By remaining in the mosque with the intention of worship, the believer temporarily withdraws from worldly distractions to focus entirely on spiritual growth. The Qur’an alludes to Iʿtikāf when Allah says: “...and do not have relations with them while you are staying for worship in the mosques.” (Qur’an 2:187). Iʿtikāf is performed by staying in a mosque for a specified period—traditionally the last ten days of Ramadan—with the intention of worship. During this time, recommended acts include voluntary prayers, Qur’an recitation, dhikr, duʿāʾ, and seeking forgiveness. Do’s of Iʿtikāf include maintaining sincerity, observing cleanliness, engaging consistently in worship, and minimizing unnecessary speech. The believer should approach Iʿtikāf with humility, patience, and respect for others in the mosque. Don’ts of Iʿtikāf include leaving the mosque without necessity, engaging in idle talk, excessive socializing, or any form of sexual activity. Such actions undermine the purpose of seclusion and may invalidate the Iʿtikāf. Ramadan reflection on Iʿtikāf emphasizes that it is not about physical isolation alone, but about inner detachment from distractions. When observed correctly, Iʿtikāf becomes a powerful means of spiritual renewal. Vanguard News