Can One Perform I`tikaf for a Portion of the Last 10 Days of Ramadan?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani 

Question

My sister intends to sit for it’ikaaf. But she can’t sit for the last three days of Ramadan due to family matters. She can only sit the first three days of the last ten days of Ramadan. Is that permissible according to the Hanafi fiqh?

Answer

I pray this finds you in the best of health and spirits.

There are two types of i`tikaf:

1. the emphasized communal sunna of the full last ten days of Ramadan and
2. the recommended sunna of i`tikaf at any time–whether in or out of Ramadan.

The latter i`tikaf can be brief (even moments, with intention) or lengthy and is also highly meritorious in Ramadan, particularly in the last ten days.

Thus, your sister can perform the i`tikaf for the time she is able, and there will be great virtue in it.

[ref: Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar; Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah]

See: The Spiritual Retreat (I’tikaf)

[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

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Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leader scholars worldwide. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.

He was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas in Damascus. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.

Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.

Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School.” This book, published by White Thread Press in 2004, significantly contributes to Islamic literature.

His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work are profoundly committed to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.