Most-asked question
What are the rules of i'tikaaf?
171 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 6 South African Darul Iftas (Mufti Online, Jamiat KZN, Ask Imaam, Azaadville, Ibn Masood, Camperdown). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.
Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.
Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.
What the Darul Iftas say
“In principle, fasting in the last ten days of Ramadhan is a requisite for the validity of the Sunnah I’tikaaf. If a person is unable to fast during whilst in I’tikaaf, the Sunnah I’tikaaf will not be valid.”
“It is permissible for one to use the cellphone during i’tikaaf to fulfil some need. However, when using the cellphone, one should ensure that he does not cause any inconvenience to those in the Musjid and nor does he violate the rights of the Musjid in any way.”
“It is Makrooh-e-Tahreemi to buy and sell or carry out business transactions in the Masjid during I’tikaaf without a valid reason.”
“Masturbating in i’tikaaf will nullify the i’tikaaf. Hence, one must make qadha’ of the I’tikaaf of that day. If one is making qadha of the I’tikaaf outside of Ramadhan, then one must also fast on that day.”
Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.
Read the fatawa
- Can a Masjid committee refuse a person from sitting for Sunnah I’tikaaf based on an excuse..Camperdown · 11 Apr 2026
- Sunnah Itikaaf For A WomanAzaadville · 12 Mar 2026
- Will the whole community be sinful if no one sit for Sunnah I'tikaaf?Ask Imaam · 27 Mar 2025
- Place of I’tikaafMufti Online · 10 Feb 2025
- Nafl I’tikaaf for females at the time of every SalaahIbn Masood · 11 Mar 2024
- Rules Related To I’tikaf For WomenJamiat KZN · 9 Jun 2017
- Can parents prevent their son from going on Nafl hajj, umrah, i’tikaaf, tabligh etc.?Camperdown · 1 Apr 2024
- Matters Which Permit And Do Not Permit Leaving The Masjid During I’tikaafAzaadville · 10 Mar 2026
- I'tikaaf - Which acts are allowed in the Sahn of a Masjid?Ask Imaam · 26 Mar 2025
- Working remotely while sitting for sunnah itikaafMufti Online · 17 Apr 2024
- Carrying out employment duties whilst in I’tikaafIbn Masood · 28 Feb 2024
- Itikaf FAQs (49/50)Jamiat KZN · 9 Mar 2026
- Masturbating in I’tikaafCamperdown · 18 Apr 2023
- Elderly person intending to perform Sunnah I’tikaaf without fastingAsk Imaam · 15 Apr 2023
- Using the cellphone during i'tikaafMufti Online · 23 Apr 2015
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