What is i'tikaf, and how is it practiced in the last ten days of Ramadan?

I'tikaf is a period of spiritual retreat spent secluded in a mosque, devoted to worship, reflection, and distancing oneself from worldly distractions. It is mentioned directly in the Quran, which references believers 'in seclusion (i'tikaf) in the mosques' while outlining the rules of Ramadan nights (2:187). While i'tikaf can technically be observed at any time, it is most strongly associated with the last ten days of Ramadan, when the Prophet would regularly withdraw to the mosque, a practice his wives continued after his passing. The classical form involves remaining continuously within the mosque, leaving only for genuine necessities, for the full period — commonly the last ten days, though some scholars allow shorter voluntary i'tikaf of any length. Time is spent in prayer, Quran recitation, dhikr, and quiet reflection, deliberately stepping back from work, socializing, and other worldly matters. One key reason it is concentrated in the last ten nights is the search for Laylatul Qadr, which falls on one of the odd nights within that period; secluding oneself in continuous worship maximizes the chance of catching it. It is not obligatory but highly recommended, and both men and women can observe it, subject to appropriate arrangements.

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