Itikaf is a form of worship Muslims perform in the last Ashrah of Ramadan. As Ikikaf is done by the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), it is considered a Sunnah to be performed by the Muslim Ummah.

Muslims from across the world perform Itikaf in Ramadan. During this period, Muslims remain in isolation and worship Allah. The only cause to perform Itikaf is to please Allah and draw His closeness.

This article highlights everything about Itikaf. We will discuss what Itikaf is, who can perform it, what to do during Itikaf, and what can nullify your Itikaf. So, let’s start understanding Itikaf before you appear to perform it in Ramadan 2026.

What is Itikaf in Ramadan?

Itikaf is a Sunnah and is performed in the last ten days or the last Ashrah of Ramadan. It is a way to worship Allah in isolation while keeping yourself disconnected from the world. For men, it is advisable to perform Itikaf in the Masjid and learn Islamic values from Islamic scholars throughout this Itikaf period. However, for women, it is advised to perform Itikaf in their home and must not be involved in the household activities.

Who Can Perform Itikaf In Ramadan?

Itikaf is considered a deeply spiritual practice that Muslims, from across the world, follow in Ramadan. Every Muslim, including men and women, can perform Itikaf under the following conditions.

> Adult Muslims: Itikaf can be done by adult and sane Muslims who can understand the purpose of worship.

> Men and Women: Both men and women can perform Itikaf. For men, it is necessary to perform Itikaf in the Masajid for the last ten days of Ramadan. They must not go outside during these days. For women, it is advised to perform Itikaf in the home in proper isolation. However, some scholars also allow women to perform Itikaf in the Masajid where proper facilities are available.

> People with right intention or Nyyah: For every good deed, the intention or Nyyah is important, and Itikaf is not an exceptional case. Muslims who want to perform Itikaf must take the intention or Nyyah to dedicate this time purely for the worship of Allah and seek His closeness.

> People with proper physical health: The practice of performing Itikaf requires spending ten days in proper isolation. So, Muslims who want to perform this practice must be physically fit and able to complete this duration.

Muslims who are not physically or mentally sound or have a fear of getting disturbed and ill during this time must not perform it. Besides this, women during menstruation are not allowed to perform Itikaf.

What to do during Itikaf?

Itikaf is an act of worship that must be performed purely for the cause of Allah. Here are some best and recommended practices to be followed during Itikaf for both men and women:

> Offer Prayers and Voluntary Ibadah: You must offer obligatory prayers and Traweeh during Itikaf. As well as this, you must offer voluntary prayers during the day and night. Offer Nawafil and other Salat al Khair to get Allah’s pleasure.

> Recite the Holy Quran: One of the best practices to follow during Itikaf is to recite the Holy Quran. Recite it as much as you can. However, it is advised to recite the Holy Quran with translation. It is the source for you to understand Allah’s message and apply them into your life.

> Make Duas: You must make Duas for yourself, your family, your friends, and the Muslim Ummah. As Itikaf performers with good intentions are close to Allah, their Dua is accepted. During Itikaf, you will also get the chance to attend Khatam Al Quran and Dua during Laylatul Qadr. So, make special prayers during this time.

> Do Dhikr: When you are not offering prayer and reciting the Holy Quran, you must do other Dhikr. You can recite Allah’s name and offer Darood to Allah’s Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). These Dhikr will add to your rewards and can help you make a good habit of doing Dhikr even after your Itikaf.

> Learn More about Islam: This is the time for you to learn Islamic knowledge. During this time, most of the Masajid arrange special teaching and explanation by the Islamic scholars. You must attend these sessions to clear your concepts about different matters of Islam. Besides this, you must also read books recommended by Islamic scholars that can add to your Islamic knowledge.

> Seek Forgiveness from Allah: If you are going to perform Itikaf, this is the special chance you have obtained to draw Allah’s closeness. So, never miss this chance and seek forgiveness from Allah during day and night. Performing Itikaf can be a good source for you to repentance and seek Allah’s mercy.

What can Nullify Your Itikaf?

Remember that there are some practices that can nullify your Itikaf. For example, leaving your Itikaf place without any reason and getting involved in unwanted companies can nullify your Itikaf. You must avoid making gatherings without any reason or for nonsense, as it will distract you from your aim to get Allah’s pleasure and forgiveness.

Give Your Donations to Sundas Foundation This Ramadan!

Muslims who wish to perform Itikaf during Ramadan 2026, may Allah accept their Itikaf and fast of Ramadan. If you want to give donations before sitting for Itikaf, give your donations to Sundas Foundation. At Sundas Foundation, we collect your donations and use them to facilitate patients suffering from Thalassemia, Hemophilia, and other blood disorders. With your donation or funds, we manage proper blood supply, medications, and other medical equipment that are required to facilitate patient care. So, donate now and support poor patients and families who cannot afford the costs of the treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can perform Itikaf?

Itikaf can be performed by every adult Muslim (men or women) who has stable physical and mental health and makes a proper intention or Nyyah to worship Allah (SWT).

How many days of Itikaf should I perform?

The Sunnah Itikaf is performed for the last ten days of Ramadan. So, if you have proper time and good health, then complete the Sunnah of performing a ten-day Itikaf.

How long does Itikaf run?

Usually, in Pakistan or even the rest of the Islamic countries, Itikaf is done for the last ten days of Ramadan, and it lasts until the end of Ramadan or when the moon of Shawal is sighted.

What are the best practices to follow during Itikaf?

The best and recommended practices to follow during Itikaf include offering prayers, doing Dhikr, reciting the Holy Quran, making Duas, doing repentance, and seeking Allah’s forgiveness.

What can nullify my Itikaf?

Some practices, such as leaving your Itikaf place without any reason and having unwanted company during Itikaf, can nullify it.