The New Nation - Internet Edition

The aim of Itikaf is to attain spiritual upliftment and salvation for the life hereafter by achieving love and satisfaction of Allah. Nothing more can be the mission of a believer, who fasts only for his/her loyalty and allegiance to the Will and Commandments of Allah. The best period of fasting is this last part of Holy Ramzan and the observance of Itikaf offers the 'Mutakif' Allah's mercy, forgiveness and salvation.

Hazrat Ayesha (Ra) said, 'Rasulullah (Sm) performed Itikaf always in the last ten days. He observed it till he breathed his last. After his death, his wives continued the tradition of Itikaf." (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Daud).

Abdullah Ibne Umar (RA) said. 'Rasulullah (Sm) used to sit for Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramzan. "(Bukhari, Muslim) Rasulullah (Sm) used to observe Itikaf before his 'Nabuwat' (Prophethood) also. Ayesha (RA) narrated :Rasulullah (Sm) used to be in the depth of worship(Itikaf) of Allah in the cave of Hera in the lonely environment without going to his family at a stretch for some days. (Bukhari).

Those who 'retreat' to Mosque to get themselves aloof from the sinful enjoyments of worldly life, and even separate themselves from the conjugal life, should search the Holy Lailatul Qadr in the uneven nights after the 20th Ramzan. They should spend the time of seclusion in reciting the Holy Quran and utilise the time in tasbih-tahlil, zikr-Ajkar, durud sharif and supplication.

During Itikaf, one can go out of the Mosque for call of nature. If he has someone to supply food there, he should not go out for taking food.

-Abdul Muqit Chowdhury