I'tikaf: Difference between revisions

'''Iʿtikāf''' (Arabic: {{iarabic| الاعتكاف}}) is a [[mustahab]] (recommended) worship in [[Islam]] that consists of at least three days of fasting in a [[masjid]]. Although there is no specific time to perform I'tikaf during a year, the last ten days of [[Ramadan]], as [[the Prophet (s)]] did so, is the most recommended days to do it.

I'tikaf is derived from " 'a-k-f " ({{inlineArabic|عکف}}) which mostly means adhering to, devoting to or dedicating to something as a sign of honoring.<ref>Rāghib, ''Mufradāt'', p. 355.</ref> Derivatives form this word has been used in the [[Qur'an]] in this meaning.<ref>See: Qurān, 2: 125; 7: 138; 20: 97; 26: 71.</ref> In spite of that, "'Akif" ({{inlineArabic|عاکف}}) ([[Q 22]]:25; meaning resident) and "Ma'kuf" ({{inlineArabic|معکوف}}) ([[Qur'an 48]]:25; meaning forbidden) are two derivatives from the same root used in the Qur'an.

In [[fiqh]], I'tikaf is defined as staying and residing in a [[mosque]] for at least three days and  also observing required conditions with the intention of getting close to [[God]].<ref>Rāghib, ''Mufradāt'', p. 355.</ref>