The meaning of itikaf is to retire in the mosque with the stated intention of doing so. According to the Hanafi school, there are three different types of itikaf.
1. Itikaf Wayib (required)
This is mandatory when a person gives this character herself. For example, if a person makes a vow to Allah that He Tá Allah grant him a wish and pledges to do itikaf for a certain number of days. From the moment that his wish is granted, this itikaf becomes an obligation for him. A person may make an unconditional vow to make itikaf wajib for a certain number of days, as soon as you take this vow that itikaf becomes wajib for him.
2. Itikaf Sunnah
This was a common practice of Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and means seclusion or retreat in the mosque for the last ten days of Ramadan.
3. Itikaf Nafl (voluntary)
There is no specific time or time to do it. One person can make the intention for any number of days at any time of year, even for life. Imam Abu Hanifah (rahmatulláhi ‘alayhi) said however that this itikaf should last at least a full day.
Imam Muhammad (rahmatulláhi ‘alayhi) argued that there is no maximum or minimum time. The fatwa (verdict) about it says that if someone enters a mosque, which makes the Niyah (intention) to make itikaf for the period will be in the mosque, so, while it is inside the mosque acts of ‘Ibadat also receive a reward for having itikaf.
In light of the foregoing, it is advisable that each entered the mosque to join the congregation, make the intention to itikaf. In this case, while in salah, dhikr, listening to lectures or sermons, also receives a reward for itikaf. Always observed that my late father used to do Niyah of itikaf to enter the mosque with the right foot. Occasionally, to teach others saying his intention out loud.
Objective and benefits of itikaf
The reward for itikaf is great. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) did itikaf frequently. The example of those who reside in the mosque in itikaf is like a person that goes to some place and stay there until they received what he wanted.
“MY BREATH GET YOUR FEET
THIS IS THE DESIRE OF MY HEART
THIS IS MY DESIRE ”
“YOU ARE THE ONE WHOSE DOOR OF MERCY
ARE ALWAYS WILLING TO GIVE.
Musa QUESTION ABOUT THE DIN OF ALLAH,
HE WAS BY FIRE, AND RETURNED WITH THE PROPHECY. ”
When someone knocks on our door and refuses to leave until you are given what you ask, I’m sure that even the most hard-hearted among us, you go to give you what you are requesting. How is Allah Most Merciful Allah Tá, granting even without being asked.
If one turns away from worldly things and going to the gates of Allah Ta’ala, what certainly could be that their prayers will be accepted? And when Allah Ta’ala grants his favor to a person Could someone maybe describe the ecstasy and enrichment to produce these treasures? How could anyone even describe what has not obtained? Can you describe a child into adulthood?
“THE ROSE THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN TO MY HEART
THE FLOWER THAT HAVE BEEN SLAUGHTERED O to win
(I found my Beloved) OR DIE. ”
‘Allamah Ibn Al Qaiyim (rahmatulláhi’ alayhi), explaining the meaning of itikaf, writes that the real goal is to divert itikaf heart of everything except Allah Ta’ala and remain united with Him alone, reaching form a spiritual connection with the Creator.
All the mundane is separated to gain the attention of Allah Ta’ala. All thoughts, desires, love and devotion are concentrated in him alone are therefore enough Your love, love and friendship that is the only company in the solitude of the grave. When you have this, who could imagine the ecstasy you will experience in the tomb.
“LOOKING FOR YOUR CHANCE TO MY HEART
DAY AND NIGHT
I FEEL WITH THE THOUGHT
OF BOTH WORLDS
(TO CREATE THE CONDITIONS OF MEDITATION) ”
In the “Maráqil Falah” (book of jurisprudence), the author writes that the itikaf, when done correctly and honestly, is one of the most virtuosic works. Could not enumerate the many advantages and benefits that are in it. What happens is that the heart is isolated from everything except Allah Ta’ala, while our life is placed at the entrance to your door.
“THE PESAMIENTO
YOU ARE IN MY HEART
AS ON THE THRESHOLD
TO WHOM SHOULD I DROP,
IS THE POWER OF ENTRY
ANY LONGER
BE AND REMAIN
AT THE DOOR. ”
One remains in ‘ibadah even sleeping in an effort to get closer to Him Allah Ta’ala says: “… and who approaches Me one span, I approach him one arm, and who approaches Me one arm , I approach him two arms, and whoever comes to Me walking, I’ll go to him running. ”
In itikaf, you go to the house of Allah Ta’ala and the Most Honorable the hosts, always honor those who keep visiting. In itikaf is in the strength of Allah Ta’ala, where no enemy can attack. On this ibadah are narrated many other virtues.
Where to itikaf
The best places to itikaf in the case of men, is the Haram Mosque in Makkah, then the mosque of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), (Masyidun-Nabawi in Al Madinah) and then Baitul Muqaddas then our local mosque and, last but not least, the mosque in our neighborhood. Imam Abu Hanifah (rahmatulláhi alayhi) said to be from a mosque where they perform the five daily prayers, while Imam Abu Yusuf (rahmatulláhi ‘alayhi) and Imam Muhammad (rahmatulláhi’ alayhi) agree that any mosque which is in conformity with the shari’ah serves to itikaf, although not regularly perform salah with them.
For women, the itikaf should be done at home. If there is a mosque in the house, then it must be in a room to be prepared for it. The itikaf is actually simpler for women. In the room used for prayer, she will retire, household chores, must be performed by daughters or servants, while women in itikaf receive spiritual reward for it. It is rather unfortunate that despite the facilities, our women are deprived of the blessings of itikaf.
Muslim Article 