The place, time andstarting point of I’tikaaf

The place of I’tikaafis the mosque, as indicated in the aayah (interpretation of themeaning):

“Anddo not have sexual relations with them (your wives) while you are inI‘tikaaf (i.e. confining oneself in a mosque for prayers andinvocations leaving the worldly activities) in the mosques” [al-Baqarah2:187].

The Prophet, Peaceand Blessings of Allah be upon him,and his wives and companions (may Allah be pleased with them all) usedto do I’tikaaf in the mosques, and it is not reported that any of themdid I’tikaaf in any place other than the mosque.

Thetiming of I’tikaaf is during Ramadhan and it is best to be done duringthe last ten days of the month. But it is permissible at any timeduring Ramadhan and at other times. It is not restricted to a specifictime; indeed it is mustahabb at all times, and it is obligatory if aperson makes a vow committing himself to it. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah bepleased with them both) reported that ‘Umar asked the Prophet, Peaceand Blessings of Allah be upon him,, “I made a vow during the Jaahiliyyah that I would spend a night inI’tikaaf in al-Masjid al-Haraam.” He said, “Fulfil your vow.”(al-Bukhaari, 4/809).

Thebeginning of I’tikaaf is before sunset, for the person who wants tospend a day and night or longer in I’tikaaf. Some scholars said that aperson should enter his place of I’tikaaf at Fajr.