When Is a Spiritual Retreat (I‘tikaf) Appropriate and How Should I Prepare for It?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question

When is a spiritual retreat appropriate, and how should one prepare for it?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate.

The Meaning of Spiritual Retreat

Spiritual retreat, or i‘tikaf, is of various kinds. In the religious tradition of Islam, based on Prophetic teachings, it means to remain in the mosque for the sake of Allah.

The general basis of i‘tikaf is found in the words of Allah Most High regarding remaining in retreat in the mosques. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) himself performed i‘tikaf.

General I‘tikaf at Any Time

A general i‘tikaf may be performed at any time. Whenever one enters the masjid, one may intend i‘tikaf for the sake of Allah. Even if one is only passing through the mosque, one can make the intention: I am making i‘tikaf for the sake of Allah.

This intention is rewarded by Allah. It is therefore recommended to make it a habit, in Ramadan and outside of Ramadan, to intend i‘tikaf whenever you enter the masjid.

When one enters into a spiritual retreat for the sake of Allah, one engages in remembrance. Acts performed in that state are magnified in reward. I‘tikaf is conducive to reflection and deepens the benefit of one’s devotions.

Spending Time in the Mosque

It is recommended to spend time in the mosque for the sake of Allah, even outside the formal i‘tikaf of the last ten nights. If one has free time, one can go to the masjid and intend to spend time there in devotion.

Upon entering, one makes the intention of i‘tikaf. Even if brief, this is rewarded and brings great merit.

The I‘tikaf of the Last Ten Nights

There is also the specific i‘tikaf of the last ten nights of Ramadan. This carries great merit and is an emphasized Sunna at the communal level. In every region, there should be some Muslims who observe the i‘tikaf of the last ten days and nights of Ramadan.

There are many resources detailing its merits and rulings. Women may also perform i‘tikaf. In the Hanafi school, the optimal way for women to perform i‘tikaf is to do so at home. There are beneficial resources that explain how women can observe i‘tikaf properly.

Spiritual retreat is a means of dedicating oneself wholly to Allah, engaging in remembrance, reflection, and devotion in a focused and intentional way.

And Allah is the giver of success and facilitation.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.

In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.

Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.

Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” which was published by White Thread Press in 2004 and is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.

His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.