Q. In our part of the world, the I’tikaf is given much importance, to the extent that the local imam insists that at least one person from every family undertakes this task for the protection of the locality. I am surprised that I do not find this emphasis here in Saudi Arabia. Please explain.
Abd Al-Khaliq, Riyadh
A. I’tikaf is the Arabic name of the Sunnah practice of spending a few days in a mosque in the last part of Ramadan, when all time is devoted for worship. The Prophet used to spend the last ten days of Ramadan in such devotion and he recommended this to his companions and followers. This is done by men only, as the Prophet did not ask his wives or daughters or any other women to share in this worship.
This is as far as it goes. It is a Sunnah practice, which we will do well to follow. If someone adds to it an element of obligation, that person is wrong. Therefore, when the imam in your village insists on people to come to the mosque for a few nights, he is stepping beyond what Islam requires. When he says that this is necessary for the protection of the locality, he is adding to this practice what does not belong to it. This is a practice of devotion, which is highly rewarding to those who do it, but it does not mean that if people do not do it, then a calamity might befall them. This is not the way Islam treats any situation.
Arab News Islam 11 April 2003
