➢ 10. What is one recommended to do during I’tikāf?

Essentially, the objective of I’tikāf is to cut links with the creation and free the heart from all what distracts from the remembrance of Allāh; this is something a person should constantly remind himself while in the state of I’tikāf. This will motivate him to preserve and spend his time wisely and not be distracted by things which remove him from the objective of Iʿtikāf, such as excessive talking, playing, being preoccupied with his phone and the like; as these things reduce the reward, and he may be even be sinful - if he annoys and distracts others. Thus, it's recommended for one busy himself with acts of worship. If they get tired/bored of one act, they should move onto another; acts of worship such as voluntary prayer, Dhikr, reciting the Qur'ān, seeking forgiveness. They should strive even more during the nights, because one of the objectives of I’tikāf is seeking out Laylatul Qadr. Additionally, I’tikāf should be taken as an opportunity to cut off bad habits, like smoking, listening to music, looking at ḥarām, etc., seeing as a person is constantly surrounded by people doing righteous actions. 💡Benefit: it's Sunnah to set up a tent or some form of private area in the masjid in which to make I’tikāk. 🔺Note: Ideally, a person should find a masjid upon Sunnah to observe I’tikāf in. ➢ 11. What are some of the permitted acts during I’tikāf? • A person is allowed to leave the masjid only if necessary, such as: 1. Getting something to eat - if food is not available in the masjid and there's no one to bring it to him. 2. To answer the call of nature and purify himself from impurities, whether major (to make ghusl) or minor (to make wuḍhū'). 3. To attend Jumu’ah prayer - if the masjid he is in does not establish Jumu'ah. 🔺Note: Once his need is fulfilled, he must return to the masjid immediately, otherwise his I’tikāf will be nullified. • It's permissible for the person doing Iʿtikāf to eat, drink and sleep in the masjid while avoiding littering. • They are allowed to speak to others about things that are of benefit. As for vain speech and things that are of no benefit, this goes against the objective of Iʿtikāf. • It's permissible for relatives to visit a person observing Iʿtikāf, and if it is a relative of the opposite gender, they may stand outside and perhaps communicate through a window to avoid free-mixing. • One may leave their place of seclusion in order to escort their relative to the door of the masjid without exiting the masjid based on the saying of Ṣafiyyah (the wife of the Prophet ﷺ): “The Prophet was making I’tikāf in the masjid during the last ten days of Ramaḍhān, so I went to visit him one night while his wives were with him. So I spoke to him for some time, then I got up to leave and he said: 'Don't rush, I'll go out with you.' So he got up with me to escort me out...until they reached the door of the masjid.” [Bukhāri & Muslim] ➢ 12. What matters invalidate I’tikāf? 🔺Note: Just like Ṣawm, the matters which invalidate I’tikāf will only have an effect with 3 conditions; that a person does them (1) knowingly, (2) intentionally, and (3) willingly. 1. Leaving the masjid without necessity; because remaining in the masjid is one of the pillars of I’tikāf. The evidence for this is the ḥadīth of ’Ā'ishah raḍhiyallāhu ’anhā, that the Prophet ﷺ used to poke his head into her house through the window while he was in the masjid and she would comb and oil his hair. She also said, “While in I’tikāf he ﷺ never used to enter the house except for a need.” [Bukhāri] 🔺Note: The Prophet's house was adjacent to the masjid.