Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) i’tikaf was moderate and not harsh. He spent all his time remembering Allah and turning to Him in worship, seeking Laylat al-Qadr.

I’tikaf should be observed in a mosque in which congregational prayers are held. During i’tikaf, you are not allowed to visit any sick person, or accept any invitation, or attend to your family’s needs except those which cannot be avoided.

You can leave the mosque during i’tikaf for unavoidable reasons such as to relieve yourself, to do wudu or ghusl, or to bring food if you do not have anyone to bring food for you. If you leave the mosque to do your work, your i’tikaf is invalidated.

The majority of scholars are of the view that as in the case of men, i’tikaf for females is not valid unless it is observed in the mosque.

I’tikaf is prescribed in Islam and it is an act of worship that draws one closer to Allah.

I’tikaf is Sunnah and can be observed at any time of the year but it is better to observe it in Ramadan, especially in the last ten days.