The Philosophy of Itikaf (Part-2)
Where else to be than to be in the company of God
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Itikaf enables a person to reach a state of mental peace and purifies and sanctifies one's inner self. Practicing of Itikaf is "Sunnah Kifa'I", which means it was the practice of the Prophet(SAW), and that at least one individual from each community or locality must perform it. Otherwise, on the day of judgment, the entire community would be held accountable for not performing Itikaf.
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One may perform a Nafil type of Itikaf in a Mosque for one or two days, or even for an hour according to Imam Shafi, Imam Yusuf, and Imam Muhammad but the Itikaf in the month of Ramdhan is must.
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Itikaf"should be in a Mosque where the five daily prayers and even friday prayer is However, if Friday prayer is not held at that Masoque the observer of Itikaf may travel to another nearby mosque, but should not waste time outside.
One who is in Itikaf must not go out of Masoque but for a reasonable cause such as using the bathroom if it is outside. The women may also perform Itikaf in their homes at their specified prayers areas. In Itikaf.