Discussion between Shaykh Usman Safdar and Shaykh Abdullah Shameem (Hafizullah)
We learn from the Seerah that the Prophet ﷺ adopted the form of ikhfa (hiding) in the last days of Ramadan so much so that he restricted himself to the masjid and stayed there. The purpose is to prevent oneself from showing off. In fact, there are not many narrations that give an account of what worhsip the Prophet ﷺ carried out during the days in itekaaf. There aren’t any details that are given to us with regards to his worship in that time. Even his family was not aware of what he used to do.
The only thing that we find is the following phrase: “he used to stay up the entire night.” What forms of worship he performed is not made known. The twenty days before the itekaaf have been mentioned but the last ten days are not mentioned. The only thing that is found in narrations is that the Prophet ﷺ would step out of his tent for the fardh (obligatory) prayers and then he ﷺ returned to his tent.
What is seen with regards to itekaaf today in many people is that they are not sure as to what masjid to choose from for their itekaaf. They focus on that masjid that provides them with good facilities. They look for where there would be air-conditioning, although we agree that air-conditioning now falls under a necessity due to the warm weather.
But we are comparing it to what used to be several years ago where people actually focused on the worship and not the place. There was a certain kind where the Qari (reciter) recited with a beautiful voice. This was usually carried out at the local masjid. No other masjid was sought for any other purpose.
Shaykh Usman Safdar says, “Recently, I came across a question that was asked to Shaykh Salih Al-Fauzan: Is it permissible to look for such facilities and seek better logistics when looking for a masjid for the purpose of itekaaf? He was of the opinion that this is not permissible. A person should opt for the nearest masjid to his house and perform itekaaf there.
There is also that fact that the management of the masjid should take care of the basic needs for those who are sitting for itekaaf to provide a comfortable environment to the worshippers.
What is not to be done is to make the area of itekaaf and convert it to a carnival as is the case with many masajid today. This is also seen during taraweeh where food is being served and the aspect of ibadah (worship) is stripped away. Masjid offer a buffet system during itekaaf. Live parathe and tea is what seems to have become the focus of many when participating in the ten nights of itekaaf at the masajid that offer this kind of environment.
The masjid is really not the place to enjoy. It is a place of worship. If you really have to spend time in this manner, then it is best that you end up at another venue than the masjid.
The convenience of food and comfort should be there while in itekaaf but it should not become the aim or the focus of those days spent at the masjid. It should in no way become the highlight. A form of worship is best if it entails humbleness and a state of humility. There has to be simplicity in your worship. This is what Allah (عَزَّوَجَلَّ) likes.
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