The Last Ten Nights of Ramadan and I'tikaf

The last ten nights of Ramadan are the most valuable days of the year, as they contain Laylatul Qadr. This guide explains what the Prophet ﷺ did in these nights, what i'tikaf is, its conditions, and how to plan your worship.

Quick answer

The Prophet ﷺ used to exert himself in worship in the last ten nights more than at any other time (Sahih Muslim). He also observed i'tikaf, staying in the mosque for worship, in this period every year until his death (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).

What the Prophet ﷺ did

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that when the last ten nights began, the Prophet ﷺ would tighten his waist wrapper, stay up at night and wake his family (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). Another report says he would exert himself more in these ten than at any other time (Sahih Muslim).

Why these nights

Laylatul Qadr is in these ten nights, most likely on an odd night. See our full article on Laylatul Qadr. The Quran says the night is better than a thousand months (Quran 97:3).

I'tikaf

I'tikaf means staying in a mosque with the intention of drawing near to Allah. The Prophet ﷺ observed it in the last ten days of Ramadan every year until Allah took his soul, and his wives did so after him (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).

Ruling

In the Hanafi school, i'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan is sunnah mu'akkadah kifayah, which means it is a communal Sunnah: if someone in the community does it, the obligation of the community is fulfilled. Other schools consider it a recommended Sunnah. A vowed i'tikaf is obligatory.

Conditions (Hanafi)

- Muslim, sane and in a state of purity from major impurity. - Intention (niyyah). - A mosque. In the Hanafi school, men do it in a mosque where the congregational prayers are held. Women observe it in a designated place in their home according to the Hanafi view, while other schools say the mosque. - Fasting is required for a wajib i'tikaf, and the last ten days of Ramadan are fasting days anyway.

Timing

For the last ten days, the person enters before sunset on the 20th of Ramadan and leaves when the Eid moon is sighted. If you cannot stay for the whole period, many scholars allow a shorter period of i'tikaf, which scholars discuss in detail, so ask yours.

What you may leave the mosque for

Genuine needs, such as the toilet, ghusl when needed and food if no one can bring it. Avoid unnecessary outings.

What invalidates it

Leaving without need, marital relations and, in some schools, other acts. Check with a scholar for specifics.

Plan for the ten nights

Make a schedule before the 20th. Reduce social engagements and work where you can.
Pray taraweeh and tahajjud. See our Tahajjud guide.
Read the Quran, and aim to finish if you have not. See Quran completion in Ramadan.
Make the dua of Laylatul Qadr: "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa fa'fu 'anni."
Give sadaqah and prepare Sadaqah al-Fitr. See types of sadaqah.
Seek forgiveness, and ask Allah for what matters to you.
Rest enough to maintain worship. Pace yourself, since consistency across ten nights is better than a single night of exhaustion.

For those who cannot do i'tikaf

You can still benefit from the nights: pray, make dua and read the Quran at home, give charity and wake your family. Women who are menstruating can do dhikr, dua and listen to the Quran.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is i'tikaf?

Staying in a mosque for worship with the intention of drawing near to Allah, observed by the Prophet ﷺ in the last ten days of Ramadan.

Is i'tikaf compulsory?

Not usually. In the Hanafi school it is a communal Sunnah in the last ten days, and a vowed i'tikaf is obligatory.

When does i'tikaf start and end?

It starts before sunset on the 20th of Ramadan and ends when the Eid moon is sighted.

Can women do i'tikaf?

Yes, with the details differing between schools. Ask your scholar.

What if I cannot do the entire ten days?

Many scholars allow a shorter i'tikaf, and you can still spend the nights in worship at home.