Itikaaf is a spiritual retreat in a mosque, usually performed during the last ten days of Ramadan. A person ‘making Itikaaf’ will spend 10 days in the mosque, devoting his time to worship, reciting the Quran, praying nafls and doing other forms of ibaadah.
It is important that one who is performing Itikaaf adheres to some basic rules and manners to ensure that his primary purpose is to worship Allah and to minimise all other distractions.
It is undesirable to bring unnecessary items such as large suitcases, many pairs of clothes, and bags of food. Basic necessities such as a small toiletry bag, one pair of clothes, and a sleeping bag would be sufficient for the purposes of Itikaaf.
WHAT TO DO IN MOSQUE
- Isolate yourself from worldly affairs and problems
- Increase your recitation of the Quran
- Be engrossed in the remembrance of Allah through Zikr, Nafls and making Duas
WHAT TO BRING TO MOSQUE
- Bring a small toiletry bag containing toothbrush/miswaak, a small towel, deodorant and cream.
- A pair of clothes – NO MORE THAN ONE! IF AN EXTRA PAIR IS NEEDED YOU COULD ALWAYS CONTACT FAMILY TO BRING MORE.
- Bring a sleeping bag
WHAT NOT TO DO IN MOSQUE
- Talk excessively and needlessly, regarding worldly matters and affairs
- Use or play on phones and other electronic gadgets – they should only be used to contact family if and when you need something
WHAT NOT TO BRING TO MOSQUE
- Large suitcases- we do not want the mosque being overcrowded
- Several pairs of clothes
- Food- Suhoor and Iftaar will be provided so there is no need to bring any extra food.
