I'TIKAF THE KNOWN AND UNKNOWN

I'tikaf — secluding oneself in the masjid for the worship of Allah — is among the most beloved acts of Ramadan, practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) every year of his life. Yet many questions surround it: What are its conditions? Where is it valid? What breaks it? What should the mu'takif do day and night?

I'tikaf: The Known and the Unknown answers these questions and more, drawing on the Qur'an, Sahih Hadith, and the classical Hanafi fiqh works — Ahkam al-Qur'an, Fatawa Alamgiri, Fatawa Shami, and others.

Inside: the definition and immense virtue of I'tikaf and its connection to Laylat al-Qadr; its seven conditions; the best places for I'tikaf for men and women; the three types — wajib, sunnah, and nafl; why the last ten nights are Sunnah Mu'akkadah 'ala al-Kifayah; ten recommended acts for the mu'takif; thirteen things that break I'tikaf; and the rulings of ghusl, leaving the masjid, qada, and vowed I'tikaf.

A practical, evidence-based guide for every Muslim preparing for the blessed last ten nights of Ramadan.