Sunnah Itikaaf For A Woman

During the period from the setting of the sun on the 20th day of Ramadaan until the sighting of the Eid ul-Fitr moon, a practice known as I’tikaaf is an established Sunnah. For a woman, this would involve sitting in the designated place of worship in her home and engaging in acts of devotion. Sitting in I’tikaaf carries significant spiritual reward.

For women, once they begin I’tikaaf, leaving the designated place of worship is permitted only for necessities, such as relieving oneself or obtaining food and drink. If someone is able to bring them food and drink, they are not permitted to leave for that purpose either.

Women are expected to remain in the designated area for the entire duration of I’tikaaf, sleeping there and occupying themselves with the recitation of the Quraan-e-Majeed, offering Nafl Salaah, and engaging in the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala. Remaining idle is not preferred.

If a woman experiences menstruation or post-natal bleeding, she is required to terminate her I’tikaaf as it is not permissible to continue in this state.

Additionally, while engaged in I’tikaaf, a woman must refrain from making intimate contact with her husband. It is permissible however, for her husband and children to visit and spend some time in the I’tikaaf room and converse with her to determine if she needs anything, etc. She is thus permitted to speak to them but too much time must not be spent in such conversation and vain talk must be avoided at all costs. She may call her daughter and guide her with regard to matters related to cooking, cleaning and other aspects of running the home.