Itikaf - Seclusion in the Masjid in the Last 10 Days
Itikaf is seclusion in the masjid for worship - the Prophet ﷺ never missed it in Ramadan’s last ten days: no phones, no errands, only prayer, Quran and dua.
Also searched as: itikaf ka tarika | itikaf rules | itikaf mein kya karna chahiye | last 10 days itikaf | etikaf
How to
Steps in order
- 1Arrange work and family cover before the 20th of Ramadan.
- 2Enter the masjid with itikaf intention carrying only essentials (mushaf, prayer mat, simple bedding).
- 3Fill the days with prayer, one-juz recitation, dhikr and the Qadr dua.
- 4Stay until the Eid moon is announced; then ghusl and join the Eid takbirat.
How itikaf works
Enter before Maghrib (or Fajr by most schools) on the 20th intending the sunnah itikaf, and remain in the masjid until Shawwal’s moon is sighted. Days pass in prayer, Quran recitation, dhikr and dua - especially the search for Laylatul Qadr.
Leave only for genuine needs (toilet, food if none is brought, Friday prayer if the masjid lacks Jumuah) and return promptly; idle talk, business and quarrels contradict its spirit.
Who and where
The masjid where congregational prayer is held is required by most schools so prayers are not missed. Women observe itikaf in the masjid too where facilities allow (the Prophet’s wives did), else in their home prayer corner per Hanafi allowance - consult local scholars.
One day, one night or even an hour of nafl itikaf anytime in the masjid carries reward; the last-ten-days itikaf is the stressed sunnah (sunnah muakkadah kifayah in Hanafi fiqh).
Sources & review
Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim (the Prophet’s itikaf every Ramadan)
Learn personal details from a qualified teacher; minor school differences exist.
Educational content — not a fatwa. See methodology and disclaimer.
Reviewed • 2026-01-01Our methodology
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does leaving the masjid break itikaf?
Leaving without a shariah need breaks the sunnah itikaf and requires makeup of a day; leaving for toilet, food or Jumuah does not.
Can women do itikaf at home?
The sunnah place is the masjid; the Hanafi school permits the home prayer corner where no women’s masjid facility exists - ask local scholars.
Phones and work calls in itikaf?
Necessity only. Itikaf means cutting the world’s noise - switch the phone off except genuine need.
Duas
Related duas
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