I’tikaf is when a person makes their heart devout in worship, secluding themselves from worldly desires. This takes place in the mosque, an ideal environment to gain inner peace and focus. I’tikaf is conventionally carried out in the last ten days of Ramadan, with the intention of seeking out Laylat ul Qadr and developing and strengthening one’s bond with Allah (swt).
Listed below are some virtues that come along with I’tikaf, benefitting the believer in terms of faith and self-development.
Performing I’tikaf is the perfect opportunity to immerse ourselves in worship, seeking Laylat ul Qadr. We can often find our minds swaying or being distracted from worship with other thoughts or responsibilities. Nevertheless, I’tikaf creates a platform, separating us from worldly desires and thoughts, and we find ourselves worshipping peacefully and unconditionally. This in turn, allows us to reap the fruits of the worship and therefore, making the most of the potential Laylat ul Qadr days.
Rewards in Ramadan are already multiplied by 70 or 100 and therefore, taking time out to perform I’tikaf can enable someone to get maximum benefits out of this blessed month. Being a recommended act from the Prophet (saw) means there’s already reward performing I’tikaf in itself. Also, the time spent away from our busy lives helps us to immerse ourselves in Qur’an recitation and performing plenty of nawwafil prayers. I’tikaf therefore encourages youto develop and prosper in youracts of worship, building up more and more rewards.
Being alone in solitude allows usto attain the goals mentioned by Ibn Qayyim (rh). The virtues of being in solitude is that youfeel more of a closeness to Allah (swt), a tighter bond with no people, objects or unnecessary thoughts hindering your devotion to the Divine.
I’tikaf is a great opportunity to reflect. Reflection allows youto look back at your life, reviewing yourstrengths, weaknesses and how youcan improve going forward. Reflecting also allows youto set goals and aspirations, looking at what youhave already achieved and how youcan escalate from that platform. Spiritually, this is uplifting. As believers, we are encouraged to have a vision so we are constantly motivated and focussed in life with lofty aims.
Reflection also helps improve our mental health. It allows us to take a step out from our busy lives, calming our minds down. This soothes our minds and scaffolds the concentration given to worship at this time.
The month of Ramadan itself allows us to take up great opportunities of seeking forgiveness from Allah (swt). Performing I’tikaf is a bonus in this aspect. Not only did our Prophet (saw) mention about being protected from Hell if I’tikaf is carried out, but it allows you to self-reflect and ponder on your previous actions. Through this, you becomes alert of the necessity of seeking forgiveness. As humans, it is common to make mistakes even unintentionally. I’tikaf allows you to assess your actions and constantly seek protection from Hell.