Itikaf: A Spiritual Retreat during Ramadan

ITIKAF: A SPIRITUAL RETREAT DURING RAMADAN Itikaf is a total retreat conducted during the last ten days of Ramadhan. In Itikaf one is totally cut off from these pursuits. One retires from the human world and enters the world of God. The contact which the believer thus establishes with God should remain with him throughout his life. This is what the Prophet termed “zuhd” or detachment from the world and has been made obligatory in the form of fasting during the month of Ramadan. Abu Hurairah reported: “The Prophet used to observe itikaf every year (during Ramadan) for ten days; in the year in which he passed away, he observed itikaf for twenty days.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2044) This renunciation or Itikaf, during the last days of the month of fasting is considered an extremely desirable form of worship. In Itikaf, one distances completely from the world and turns to God. Itikaf is thus a full form of what is required during the whole of the month, but God has not enjoined to observe Itikaf for the whole month as a concession made to devotees. The purpose of itikaf is to engage in muhasaba, which means introspection. During this practice, one finds time to reflect on one’s life, one’s past and present, and what course to follow in the future. The ten-day period of itikaf requires a person to undergo overhauling in the spiritual sense. During Itikaf one undertake introspection and reads the Quran more deeply. This reading is not only meant as recitation of the words of the Quran but is aimed at delving into the deeper meaning of the Quran and understanding its message. This practice is like taking a spiritual bath by making oneself a more awakened person. During itikaf a Muslim tries to look at himself in the divine mirror. He makes an effort to rediscover the Quran and to reapply the Quranic teachings in his life every year. This rediscovery of