Ramadhaan Focus - I'TIKAAF
HADITH
Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu anhu) relates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihyhi wasallam) said: "The person performing "I'tikaaf" remains free from sins, and he is indeed given the same reward as for those who do righteous deeds (in spite of not having done these deeds) as a result of having been secluded in the masjid."
(Note that one remaining secluded in the masjid is not allowed to depart from there for worldly deeds. He may only go outside for the call of nature, to perform ablution or bath or for attending "Jumu'aa" when that is not performed in the same masjid, after which he must return forthwith. COMMENTARY
Now this Hadith points to two great benefits of "I'tikaaf".
First, one avoids sin. The world all around us is full of temptations and very often one falls into sin without even intending to do so. To commit sin in the blessed month of Ramadhan is indeed a great injury to ourselves. Through remaining secluded in the masjid, one completely avoids the temptation to sin.
Secondly, it would appear outwardly that, when one is secluded in the masjid, one is apparently at a disadvantage by not being able to perform certain good deeds like joining in funeral prayers, attending burials, visiting the sick, etc. Therefore, according to this Hadith, one is rewarded for these deeds even though not performing them. What a great favour from Allah! How great is Allah's bounty! If only we can understand and properly appreciate these favours, which can attract the Mercy of Allah, but we are very neglectful of this and place little value on our "Deen." (Virtues of Ramadhaan)
TODAYS FOCUS
VALID REASONS FOR LEAVING THE MUSJID AND WHICH WILL NOT BREAK THE I'TIKAF
It is permissible to leave the Musjid for the following acts of need:
- To answer the call of nature - to go to the toilet.
- To pass wind.
- To take an obligatory bath
- To make wudhu
- Juma'h Salat, if Juma'h Salaat is not performed in the Musjid where the I'tikaaf is being observed. In this case the Mu'takif should leave the Musjid at such a time to enable him to reach the other Musjid in time to perform his Sunnah Salaat. He should leave immediately after having completed the six raka'ts Sunnats after the Fardh Salat. He should not delay for Dua and Dhikr.
- To proclaim the Athaan, if he is the Muath-thin. This is permissible for even a Mu'takif who is not the permanent Muath-thin.
- To bring food if there is no one to tend to this need of his.
- If one is compelled to leave the Musjid either because of danger or forceful eviction, one may immediately proceed to another Musjid to continue with the I'tikaaf. An unnecessary delay in the process of changing Musjids is not permissible and will break the I'tikaaf. When leaving the Musjid for the above mentioned reasons, the Mu'takif must return to the Musjid immediately after having fulfilled the need. An unnecessary delay of even a minute will break the I'tikaf.
THE MUFSIDAT OR THE THINGS WHICH INVALIDATE (BREAK) THE I'TIKAF
- Only wajib and Masnoon I'tikaaf are rendered invalid. Nafl I'tikaaf is not rendered void by any act. It is merely ended by engaging in an act which is not permitted for the Mu'takif.
- Unnecessarily leaving the Masjid for even a minute whether intentionally, unintentionally or under compulsion, will invalidate the I'tikaf. All acts and reasons besides the valid reasons (see above) will be regarded as 'unnecesessary' in the context of I'tikaf. Thus, leaving the Masjid due to illness, although permissible, will invalidate the I'tikaf To leave the Musjid for Janazah Salat, visiting the sick or for any other permissible activity besides the VALID REASONS (see below), will render the I'tikaaf null and void.
- The I'tikaaf will also become void (break - be invalid) if the Mu'takif's fast breaks.
THE MUBAHAAT OR THE THINGS WHICH ARE PERMISSIBLE DURING I'TIKAF
During I'tikaf, the following acts are mubah (permissible):
- To eat and drink.
- To sleep.
- Necessary conversation.
- To change clothes and apply perfume and oil.
- To cut hair and nails. These should not be allowed to fall in the Masjid.
- To walk inside the Musjid.
- To sit anywhere inside the Musjid.
- To tend to a sick person inside the Musjid.
- If necessary, to buy and sell goods provided that the goods are not brought into the Musjid nor is payment made inside the Musjid.
- To teach Deeni lessons.
- To sew clothing.
- To study Deeni books.
- To get married and to perform a Nikah.
- All such acts which are lawful and allowed in the Musjid are permissible for the Mu'takif.
THE MAKRUHAT OR THE THINGS WHICH ARE DETESTABLE AND NOT PERMISSIBLE FOR THE MU'TAKIF
The Makruhat during I'tikaf are as follows:
- To maintain total silence.
- To indulge in idle talk.
- To sleep excessively merely to wile away the time.
- To unnecessarily pass wind inside the Musjid.
- To sew garments or engage in any occupation for a fee.
- To read books and magazines which are not of a Deeni nature.
- To erect the mu'takaf in a way which inconveniences the Musallees. (Mu'takaf is the area which is enclosed for the sleeping and eating of the one who observes I'tikaf).
- To engage in any worldly activity unnecessarily.
( Source: Kitaabus Saum ) - Prepared by Al-Islaah Publications