What does I'tikaf mean?
Seclusion in the masjid for worship, especially the last ten nights of Ramadan.
I'tikaf explained
The Prophet ﷺ made i'tikaf in the last ten days of every Ramadan, seeking Laylat al-Qadr. The person stays in the masjid, leaving only for necessities, and gives the time to prayer, Quran and dhikr.
Related terms
Questions about I'tikaf
What does I'tikaf mean?
I'tikaf (اِعْتِكَاف, I'tikaf) means: Seclusion in the masjid for worship, especially the last ten nights of Ramadan.
How is I'tikaf written and pronounced in Arabic?
It is written اِعْتِكَاف and pronounced I'tikaf.
Where does I'tikaf come from in the Quran or hadith?
The Prophet ﷺ made i'tikaf in the last ten days of every Ramadan, seeking Laylat al-Qadr. The person stays in the masjid, leaving only for necessities, and gives the time to prayer, Quran and dhikr. Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 2026.
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