Muslim Social Network for Fans of Spiritual Music and Nasheed

I'tikaf-Spiritual Retreat for Women

Narrated 'Aisha: (the wife of the Prophet) The Prophet used to practice Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives used to practice Itikaf after him.

I'tikaf: Spiritual Retreat for Women at Home?
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question:
Is it allowed for women to do Itikaf at home for the last ten days of Ramadhan? What are the rules of itikaf and is she allowed to spend time playing with her grandchildren and socialising with her family?

Answer:

Walaikum assalam,

Yes, it is permitted for women to do i`tikaf (spiritual retreat) in a specific place in their house, whenever they have the time and are able to do so without neglecting their family duties and other responsibilities.

The same considerations would apply as in any other i`tikaf: ones primary concern during the time should be towards worship, and unnecessary worldly activity should be avoided.

Even when one is in their monthly period, it is recommended in the Hanafi school to sit in a designated place of prayer (musalla) at home, after having made wudu, and make dhikr for the time it takes to pray.

It is recommended for women to designate a place in their houses as their 'masjid'. They can do i`tikaf there at any time, even for a brief period of time, [Radd al-Muhtar] and attain the great rewards mentioned in the hadiths for i`tikaf (as long as they fulfill their other worldly and religious duties, as is the case for men).

The Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) said, Whoever stands the nights of Ramadan in prayer out of faith and seeking reward shall have their previous sins forgiven. [Bukhari & Muslim]

May Allah give us success to follow the guidance of His Beloved (Allah bless him & give him peace).

Walaikum assalam,

Faraz Rabbani.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by nur-inn on September 6, 2009 at 10:10pm

Assalamualaikum beloved brothers and sisters,

Thank you sister an-necim for bringing up this interesting topic on " I'tikaf: Spiritual Retreat for Women at Home?" and contributing a precise QA from Faraz Rabbani. I would also love to share some I`tikaf Q &A too.
May Allah forgive, guide and bless us all with His endless Mercy, enduring Love and illuminating Light. Ameen

I`tikaf Q & A
Ramadhan Q & A -By Mufti Abdool Kader Hoosen
Courtesy of al-Islaah Publications
Source: at-Talib

VENUE FOR FEMALE I’TIKAF
Q: Where should a female make her I’tikaf?
A: According to the Shafi’es, Malikis, Hanbalis, I’tikaf can only be performed in the Masjid. Hence, men will sit in the male section whilst females will perform their I’tikaf in the female section of the masjid. It is not permissible to perform I’tikaf at home according to the above mentioned scholars. However, the Hanafi scholars state that it is permissible for females to perform their I’tikaf at home in a place which is reserved for salat. Cognizance must be taken of the fact that women must not be in menses or post-natal (nifas), similarly she must take permission from her husband to sit in I’tikaf.

HUSBAND’S PERMISSION FOR I’TIKAF
Q: I want to sit for I’tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadhan, do I need my husband’s permission, and can he and the children visit me?
A: It is compulsory for you to obtain the permission of your husband to sit in I’tikaf. Your husband and children can visit you, however your husband cannot fondle and touch you with lust etc.

LADY DOES HER DOMESTIC DUTIES IN I’TIKAF
Q: Can a woman do her domestic duties whilst in I’tikaf?
A: She can perform her domestic duties in her room, eg. cooking, ironing etc. This is only according to the Hanafi scholars.

I’TIKAF IN A MUSALLAH
Q: We wish to make I’tikaf in a musallah (jamat khana), is it valid to do so?
A: The venue for I’tikaf is valid in a Masjid only. Almighty Allah states: “Do not touch your wives whilst you are in I’tikaf in the Masajid.” (surah 2 verse 187) Hence, for men to make I’tikaf in a musallah is not valid. There is consensus on this issue according to all four schools

RSS

Welcome to
ALIF MUSIC

Sign Up
or Sign In