'I'tikaaf', the meaning of which is to seclude oneself in the mosque, with the express intention (niyyah) of 'I'tikaaf'.
Seclusion is usually associated with captivity, a tactic devised for those unwilling to proceed with instructions. The word brings images of individuals kept in boxed rooms, living with the bare necessities, echoing silence being their sole companion. To an unknowing person, entering this state out of choice, would appear somewhat bizarre and unappealing. However, as we take a closer look at this secluded man, we see that this is an individual who has broken free of all possible ties to the world. He is no longer chained to earth with materialism, he is a free soul wholly prostrating to his Maker.
The example of him who resides in the mosque in I'tikaaf is that of a person who, having gone to a certain place to appeal for something, yet he remains there until it is granted. When one comes begging at the door, refusing to leave until he has been granted his request, surely even the person with the hardest heart will eventually give in to his request. Now take a look at the Mercy of Allah the Almighty, which is demonstrated by this Hadith.
In Saheeh Muslim it is narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
"Allah has one hundred parts of mercy, of which He sent down one between the jinn, mankind, the animals and the insects, by means of which they are compassionate and merciful to one another, and by means of which wild animals are kind to their offspring. And Allaah has kept back ninety-nine parts of mercy with which to be merciful to His slaves of the Day of Resurrection."
- Muslim, al-Tawbah, 6908
What doubt can there be in the fulfilment of one's wishes, if he sits persistently at the door of The Most Merciful?
Allaama ibn Qayyim (a great scholar), in explaining the significance of 'I'tikaaf' writes that the actual aim is to divert the heart away from everything except Allah, and to make it come near to Allah, thereby forming a complete spiritual connection with the Creator. All worldly connections are thus cut off, for the love and devotion of gaining Allah's attention and all thoughts, desires, love and devotion become centred around Him. As a result, an attachment with Allah is attained - a love and friendship that will be the only support in loneliness of the grave. One can possibly imagine the great ecstasy with which that time in the grave will be spent.
In Maraqi Al-Falah, the author writes that 'I'tikaaf', when properly and sincerely performed, is among the most virtuous deeds. One cannot possibly enumerate all the great advantages and benefits in it. In actual fact, what takes place in 'I'tikaaf' is that the heart is drawn away from everything else except the Creator, while the soul is actually laid at His door-step. All the time, one remains in a state of 'Ibadah' (worship) even when one is asleep; one is still in His worship striving for nearness to Him.
Allah says (according to a Hadith):
"Whoever draws near to Me (the length of) one hand, then I draw nearer to him (the length of) two hands and whoever draws near to Me by walking, I draw nearer to him by running." Moreover, in 'I'tikaaf' one seeks refuge in the house Of Allah, and is safe therein from all enemies.
- Saheeh Muslim Book 037, Number 6610
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