Iʿtikāf

Iʿtikāf (Arabic: اعتكاف, also i'tikaaf or e'tikaaf) is an Islamic practice consisting of a period of staying in a mosque for a certain number of days, devoting oneself to ibadah during these days and staying away from worldly affairs.^[1][2]

Iʿtikāf at the University of Tehran in Iran, April 2016

The literal meaning of the word suggests sticking and adhering to, or being regular in something. It is particularly popular among devout Muslims during the last 10 days of Ramadan, during which one secludes oneself in a part of the mosque and spends all one's time to worshiping.^[3]

Iʿtikāf at mosque in West Street in Durban, April 2024

See also

• Ali ibn Abi Talib
• The White Days
• Khalwa (Sufism)
• Retreat (spiritual)