Abdul Muqit Chowdhury :
The days of Maghfirat (forgiveness) conclude with 20th days of fasting. The third part of Ramzan called ‘Nazat’ (salvation) begins tomorrow.
I’tikaf is a special worship and part of Sunnah of this phase. The period
of I’tikaf begins before the sunset today and continues till the sighting of the moon of the month of Shawal. Observance of I’tikaf is ‘Sunnat-e-Muakkadah Kefaya.’ ‘Kefaya’ demands : If some people in a locality observe it in a mosque, this will do. But, if none observes, the people of the locality will be responsible for deviation.
The word I’tikaf is derived from the root ‘ukuf ‘ meaning ‘to stick to something or place.’ I’tikaf means ‘confining’ or ‘staying.’ It is a ‘retreat in the mosque.’ The ‘Mu’takif (who retreats in the mosque) withdraws from the worldly enjoyments, in a complete seclusion in the corner of the mosque for purification of soul to achieve the love of Allah and also to have the special blessings and mercy of the night of Qadr. It is a complete retirements to spiritual life.
“And when We made the House (at Makkah) a resort for mankind and a sanctuary (saying) : Take as your place of worship the place where Abraham stood (to pray). And We imposed a duty upon Abraham and Ishmael (saying) : Purify My House for those who go around and those who meditate therein and those who bow down and prostrate themselves (in worship).” (Verse 125, Sura Al-Baqarah 2, The Meanings of the Glorious Qur’an by Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall)
The Holy Quran reveals : “Remember We made the House /A place of assembly for men/And a place of safety ;/And take ye the Station/Of Abraham as a place/Of prayer ; and We covenanted/With Abraham and Isma’il,/That they would sanctify/My House for those who/Compass it round, or use it/As a retreat, or bow, or/Prostrate themselves (therein/In prayer).” Verse 125, Sura Al-Baqarah 2, The Holy Qur’an Translation and Commentary byAllama Yusuf Ali)
The Holy Quran introduces Ka’ba Sharif as ‘My House’ meaning ‘Allah’s House’ i.e. Baitullah.
The Holy Ka’ba is the source of Islamic spirit, ideals and rituals and the centre of Hajj rituals. Tawaf, going round the Ka’ba is a ritual of Hajj. I’tikaf, a religious tradition and ritual in the Ka’ba comes down as ‘retreat’ to the mosques in the month of Ramzan. ‘Ruku’ and ‘Suzud’ are part of ‘Salat’ (Prayer) offered anywhere in the world. These are rituals for Muslim Ummah centering the Holy Ka’ba and following the ideals and injunctions of ancient Islam-the great religion of Tawhid.
In the 125th Verse of Sura Baqarah ‘retreat’ has been stated in the following words : “….or use it/As a retreat or bow, or/Prostrate themselves (therein /In prayer).” The context is of Ka’ba, the House of Allah. Allama Yusuf Ali in his comment says : “Four rites are here enumerated, which have now acquired a technical meaning 1. Compassing the sacred territory, or going round the Ka’ba : Tawaf. There are special guides who take pilgrims and visitors and round. 2. Retiring to the place as a spiritual retreat for contemplation and prayer : I’tikaf. 3. The posture of bending the back in prayer: Ruku. 4. The posture of prostrating oneself on the ground in prayer : Sujud. The protection of the holy territory is for all, but special cleanliness and purity is required for the sake of the devotees who undertake these rites.” (p.53)
The 187th verse of the same Sura directs the ‘Mutakif’ to avoid association with wife, to remain far from ‘sexual enjoyments’ “…Then strictly observe the fast till nightfall and touch them not, but be at your devotions in the mosques. These are the limits imposed by Allah, so approach them not…” (Verse 187, Sura Al-Baqarah 2, The Meanings of the Glorious Qur’an by Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall).
“But do not associate/With your wives/While ye are in retreat/In the mosques. Those are/Limits (set by) God :/Approach not nigh thereto….” Verse 187, Sura Al-Baqarah 2, The Holy Qur’an Translation and Commentary by A. Yusuf Ali)
Allama Yusuf Ali comments : “Retreat to the mosques by night after the fast is broken is specially recommended towards the end of Ramzan, so that all carnal temptations may be avoided.” (p.74)
Those who ‘retreat’ in mosque and get themselves aloof from worldly life and enjoyments, should spend the time of seclusion in prayer, tilawat, tasbih-tahlil, zikr-azkar, and durud sharif for spiritual attainment.
Abdullah Ibne Umar (Ra) said, “Rasulullah (Sm) used to sit for I’tkaf in the last ten days of Ramzan.” (Bukhari and Muslim Sharif).
