What is Itikaf and Who Can Perform It?

Itikaf is a special act of worship (Ibadah) that Muslims perform in the last Ashrah of Ramadan. This Ibadah is considered a Sunnah to be performed in Ramadan as our Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) performed it in His life.

This is not an obligatory form of worship like fasting during Ramadan. However, Muslims who are in good health and have time can perform this act of worship.

In this article, we are going to discuss what Itikaf is and who can perform it. As well as this, we will discuss the dos and don’ts of Itikaf. So, if you are about to perform Itikaf in Ramadan 2026, this article is for you!

What is Itikaf?

Itikaf is a special Ibadah that is performed in isolation only to seek Allah’s forgiveness and His closeness. This act of worship is done during the last ten days of Ramadan. Both men and women are allowed to perform Itikaf in Ramadan.

For men, it is advised to perform Itikaf in the Masjid, where they can get a special place and are permitted to stay at that place throughout this period. For women, it is advisable to perform Itikaf in their homes and stay in a specific place at home to maintain complete isolation. Some scholars also allow women to perform Itikaf in Masajid where proper facilities are available.

Itikaf starts from the 20th of Ramadan at the time of Asar prayer. However, it lasts until the end of Ramadan or when the Shawal moon is sighted. The duration of Itikaf is nine to ten days, depending on the total days of the lunar month.

Who is Eligible to Perform Itikaf during Ramadan?

Itikaf can be performed by every Muslim who wishes to do it. However, certain conditions must be followed to perform Itikaf during Ramadan:

> Adult and Sane Muslims: Only adult Muslims can perform Itikaf. As well as this, the performer must be sane or have enough knowledge about the purpose of Itikaf during Ramadan.

> Right Intention: People who wish to perform Itikaf must make a proper intention or Niyyah of doing this special act of worship. Their only purpose in performing Itikaf is to please Allah and seek His forgiveness.

> Men and Women: Itikaf can be performed by both men and women who are adults and sane. Men are advised to perform it in a Masjid where they can maintain proper isolation. Women are advised to perform it in their homes with proper seclusion.

> Proper Physical and Mental Health: As we know, performing Itikaf requires spending ten days in isolation and performing Ibadah throughout the period, so the performer must have good physical and mental health. If you are suffering from an ailment and have a fear that the situation can get worse during Itikaf, you should not perform Itikaf. Instead of this, you must stay home and keep worshipping Allah while taking care of your health.

Things to do During Itikaf in Ramadan

Those who are going to perform Itikaf in Ramadan 2026, may Allah accept their efforts. However, we come with some recommended practices that must be followed during Itikaf by both men and women:

> Do not Miss Prayers: As you are in the Itikaf with the intention to worship Allah, never miss a prayer during this time. Offer all obligatory prayers and Traweeh during your Itikaf.

> Offer Voluntary Prayers: Besides obligatory prayers, you must offer some voluntary prayers to increase your rewards. You can offer Nawafil, Salat Tasbeeh, and other voluntary prayers to please Allah.

> Recite the Holy Quran: You must also recite the Holy Quran during this period, and recite as much as you can. However, it is recommended for Itikaf performers to recite the Quran with translation, as it can help them understand the messages of Allah. Also, do not only read Allah’s message but also try to implement them in your life.

> Make Duas: As you are worshipping Allah in isolation and are completely disconnected from the world, you are close to Allah. So, make duas to Allah during this time. Make duas about you, your family, your country, and whatever the legitimate wishes you have.

> Do Dhikr: When you are not offering prayers and reciting the Holy Quran, do dhikr. Recite the names of Allah and offer Durood to the Prophet of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him). All these acts of worship can help you draw Allah’s closeness and increase your rewards.

> Learn Islamic Education: During this time, you must learn more about Islam. In the Masajid, Islamic scholars offer special teaching and explanation about Islam. Itikaf performers must attend these sessions. Besides this, you can read books recommended by Islamic scholars on different topics or Islamic matters.

> Seek Forgiveness from Allah: Remember that the only purpose of doing Itikaf is to seek Allah’s pleasure and His forgiveness. So, you must seek forgiveness from Allah during the day and night.

What can Cancel Your Itikaf?

Remember that there are certain conditions you must avoid, as these can cancel your Itikaf. For example, you must not leave your Itikaf place, as it can nullify your Itikaf. Obviously, you will perform Itikaf in the Masjid, so ensure you do not leave the Masjid until the Shawal moon is sighted. Besides this, you must not be involved in unwanted or bad companies during Itikaf, as these can distract you and can be the reason to cancel your Itikaf.

Give Your Donations to Renal Care Foundation this Ramadan!

Do you want to give your Sadqah or donations during Ramadan 2026 or before performing Itikaf? Give it to the Renal Care Foundation. At Renal Care Foundation, we take care of patients suffering from renal diseases. Your donation funds are used to manage a proper blood supply, medications, dialysis sessions, and other equipment used to treat renal patients. So, donate to us now and support patients with chronic renal conditions who cannot afford their treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to perform Itikaf?

Every Muslim man and woman who are adults and healthy can perform Itikaf. Remember that it is not an obligatory form of worship but a Sunnah practice.

Who should not perform Itikaf?

There are no certain conditions to be met for Itikaf. However, people with the following conditions should not perform Itikaf:

1. Muslims who are not adults or sane
2. Muslims who are not physically and mentally stable
3. Women during menstruation
4. People who have a fear of getting disturbed and ill during Itikaf

What is the duration of Itikaf?

Usually, the Itikaf runs for 10 days. It starts from the 20th Ramadan at the time of Asar prayer, and it lasts until the end of Ramadan or when the Shawal moon is sighted.

What should you do during Itikaf?

During Itikaf, it is recommended to offer prayers, recite the Holy Quran, make duas, do Dhikr, learn Islamic education, and seek forgiveness from Allah.

What to avoid during Itikaf?

You must not join unwanted or bad companies, and you must also not leave the Itikaf place during Itikaf, as these acts can cancel your Itikaf.