What is it?

Iʿtikāf is a spiritual retreat and an Emphasized Communal Sunnah (Sunnah Muakkadah ʿalā al-Kifāyah) for the last 10 nights of Ramaḍān

How to Perform Iʿtikāf

• Can’t leave the masjid (unless for bathroom, food, Jumuʿah)
• Don’t stay silent (disliked, we’re not monks)
• No intercourse/foreplay
  • It will invalidate the retreat
• Can eat/sleep/buy/sell in the masjid
  • Keep products outside - if inside, it’s disliked (makrūh taḥrīman)
• Only speak good

Women: Same rules apply but can be done in your “designated praying area” at home

• If you don’t have one, you can designate a spot at that time
• It can be done at the masjid

Rule of thumb:

Maximize time inside the masjid

• Leave if there’s a need that cannot be fulfilled from inside the masjid
• Return when that need is taken care of

FAQ

1. When do the last 10 nights start?

   i. Although it may seem like the last 10 nights start at the end of the 19th day, the start of the 20th night, it actually starts on the 21st night (after the 20th day). That is because nights 21-30 are the 10 nights. (Just like 1-10 are 10, and 11-20 are 10, 21-30 are 10)

2. Can I go to a restaurant for ifṭār?

   i. You can go to a restaurant and get food, but you shouldn’t eat it there. Although it’s best to stay in the masjid and not leave for too long.

3. Can I get food delivered and walk out of the masjid to get it?

   i. Yes you can

4. Can I take showers?

   i. Yes. If the masjid doesn’t have shower facilities, you could go home to shower.

5. Can I say salam to others? Can I shake hands after Salah?

   i. Yes, you can say salam to others, shake hands, and have conversations. But you shouldn’t have useless conversations or waste time.