I’tikaf – Ramadan Digest (Episode 21)

I’tikaf, a retreat for the soul. This spiritual retreat, performed in the last ten days of Ramadan, allows us to detach from worldly distractions and dedicate ourselves entirely to the worship of Allah. I’tikaf is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), where people seclude themselves in a mosque to devote their time to prayer, supplication, and reflection. The purpose is to seek closeness to Allah and intensify worship, particularly in pursuit of Laylat al-Qadr.

The Prophet (pbuh) said, “He who observes the ten days of I’tikaf during Ramadan will obtain the reward of two Hajj and two Umrah.” (Bayhaqi)

How to Perform I’tikaf?

Choose a Mosque: I’tikaf must be observed in a mosque where congregational prayers are held.
Set an Intention: Begin with a sincere intention to dedicate your time solely to worship.
Engage in Worship: Recite Qur’an, engage in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), make Du’a, and perform voluntary prayers.
Avoid Distractions: Refrain from unnecessary conversations and activities that divert focus from spiritual growth.

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Tonight’s Taraweeh at Masjid Al Haram

Worshippers at Masjid Al Haram in Makkah will be led in prayer by: Sheikh Abdullah Juhany and Sheikh Bandar Baleelah

Global Ramadan News & Updates

Bangladesh – Lemons Remain Expensive Despite Ramadan’s End Approaching

Consumers in Bangladesh continue to face high lemon prices, with reports indicating a sharp increase compared to last year. Market vendors attribute this to supply chain disruptions and increased demand during Ramadan.

Bahrain – Annual ‘Ramadan of Giving’ Cleanliness Campaign Launched

Volunteers across Bahrain have come together to maintain the cleanliness of public spaces and mosques, embodying the spirit of giving and community service during Ramadan.

Spain – Undocumented Migrants in Madrid Find Comfort in Ramadan Iftar

In Madrid, communal iftars provide a sense of belonging for undocumented migrants, offering them a rare opportunity to share meals, feel welcomed, and temporarily forget their struggles.

Yemen – Sana’a Launches Ramadan Programs for Youth

Aimed at fostering spiritual growth, new Ramadan initiatives in Sana’a include Quranic education and mentorship programs at the Mosque Academy.

China – Uyghurs Forced to Work During Ramadan to Prevent Fasting

Reports reveal that Uyghur Muslims in China’s Xinjiang region are being coerced into labor during Ramadan as part of efforts to curb fasting, further restricting their religious freedoms.

Gaza – Ceasefire Collapse Fractures Ramadan’s Peace

The recent breakdown of a ceasefire in Gaza has intensified hardships, disrupting Ramadan prayers and communal iftars, while civilians struggle amid ongoing hostilities.

Nigeria – Islamic Scholar Urges Government to Uphold Justice

During a Ramadan lecture in Abuja, an Islamic scholar emphasized the importance of fairness and equity in public office appointments, urging leaders to govern with justice.

UK – Birmingham Muslims Lead Running Revolution While Fasting

A group of young Muslims in Birmingham has been leading a fitness movement, running miles every evening despite fasting, proving that endurance and faith go hand in hand.

Today’s Challenge

If You Can, Perform I’tikaf: Dedicate time to secluded worship, even if for a few hours. Reduce phone usage and focus on Qur’an, Dhikr, and Salah. Invite friends or family to engage in extra acts of worship.

Did You Know?

The Prophet (pbuh) Performed I’tikaf Every Year: In his final year, he observed 20 days of I’tikafinstead of the usual 10.

I’tikaf Is an Act of Isolation but Not Loneliness: Angels pray for those who remain in seclusion for worship.

Jannah’s ground is made of musk, and its bricks are of gold and silver (Tirmidhi).

The shade of Allah’s Throne will be given to seven types of people, including a just leader, a youth who worships Allah, and those who love each other for Allah’s sake (Bukhari).

Qur’an Verse of the Day

“And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques.”(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)

Hadiths

A’ishah (RA) reported: “The Messenger of Allah used to practice I’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until he passed away. Then his wives continued the practice after him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2026, Muslim 1172)

Abu Huraira (RA) narrated: “The Prophet used to observe I’tikaf every year (during Ramadan) for ten days; in the year in which he passed away, he observed I’tikaf for twenty days. He used to show more devotion in worship in the last ten nights than at any other time.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2044, Muslim 1175)

May Allah accept our fasting, prayers, and all acts of worship in these blessed nights.

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