MASAAL (RULES) PERTAINING TO I'TIKAF

(1) The same rules which apply to a man observing I'tikaf in the Musjid, apply to a woman observing I'tikaf in her place of seclusion at home.
(2) When necessity, e.g. Juma'h Salat in another Musjid, compels the Mu'takif to leave his Musjid, it will be permissible for him to enquire about a sick person or generally engage in good conversation without departing from the road. He must not unnecessarily stop on the road.

WHAT TO DO DURING I'TIKAF

The Mu'takif should engage himself in lbadat to the best of his ability. Nafl Salat, Tilawat, Durood, Istighfar and permanent Thikr in general should be the Mu'takifs occupations throughout the duration of his I'tikaf.
When the Mu'takif speaks,

THE MAKRUHAT OR THE THINGS WHICH ARE DETESTABLE AND NOT PERMISSIBLE FOR THE MU'TAKIF

The Makruhat during I'tikaf are as follows:

(1) To maintain total silence.
(2) To Indulge In idle talk.
(3) To sleep excessively merely to wile away the time.
(4) To unnecessarily pass wind inside the Musjid.
(5) To sew garments or engage in any occupation for a fee.

THE MUBAHAT OR THE THINGS WHICH ARE PERMISSIBLE DURING I'TIKAF

During I'tikaf, the following acts are mubah (permissible):

(1) To eat and drink.
(2) To sleep.
(3) Necessary conversation.
(4) To change clothes and apply perfume and oil.
(5) To cut hair and nails. These should not be allowed to fall in the Musjid.

THE MUFSIDAT OR THE THINGS WHICH INVALIDATE (BREAK) THE I'TIKAF

Only Wajib and Masnoon I'tikaf are rendered invalid. Nafl I'tikaf is not rendered void by any act. It is merely ended by engaging in an act which is not permitted for the Mu'takif.
Unnecessarily leaving the Musjid for even a minute whether intentionally, unintentionally or under compulsion, will invalidate the I'tikaf.

VALID REASONS FOR LEAVING THE MUSJID AND WHICH WILL NOT BREAK THE I'TIKAF

It is permissible to leave the Musjid for the following acts of need:

(1) To answer the call of nature - to go to the toilet.
(2) To pass wind.
(3) To take an obligatory bath.
(4) To make wudhu.

THE VENUE FOR I'TIKAF

(1) For men, I'tikaf is valid in only a Musjid in which Athan and Iqamah are proclaimed for the five daily Salat. In otherwords it has to be a Musjid in which the five daily Salat are performed with Jama't.
(2) Females can observe I'tikaf in a place in their homes, set aside for Salat or specially cordoned off for the purpose of I'tikaf.
(3) It is not permissible for women to come to the Musjid to observe I'tikaf or to perform Salat or to listen to lectures.

SUNNATUL MUAK-KADAH ITIKAF

I'tikaf of the last ten days of Ramadhan is the only Masnoon I'tikaf. This Masnoon I'tikaf is Sunnatul Muak-kadah alal Kifayah. If a few or even just one person observes this I'tikaf in a particular area/neighbourhood, the duty will be discharged on behalf of the entire community of that locality. On the otherhand, if no one observes this I'tikaf

QADHA OF I'TIKAF

(1) Qadha will be made of Nathr and Masnoon I'tikaf. There is no qadha for Nafl I'tikaf.
(2) Qadha of Nathr Muayyan I'tikaf will be made if the I'tikaf was not observed on its specific days or if it was rendered void while observing it.
(3) Masnoon I'tikaf (i.e. the I'tikaf of the last ten days of Ramadhan) will be made qadha if it was rendered void after having commenced it

NATHR I'TIKAF

(1) I'tikaf of Nathr is an I'tikaf undertaken as a result of a vow made to Allah Ta'ala.
(2) The validity of Nathr I'tikaf requires the verbal expression of the Niyyat or intention. It is, therefore, essential to verbally say, for example:
"I am undertaking (or making) I'tikaf for Allah Ta'ala for three days",,
or any other similar statement in which it is declared that I'tikaf has been undertaken or is presently being undertaken. The expression of an intention should not relate to the future, e.g. "It is my intention to perform I'tikaf", etc.

I'TIKAF

(1) I'tikaf means to stay in the Musjid with the niyyat of I'tikaf for the sake of Allah Ta'ala. The purpose of such stay in the Musjid is ibadat and to gain proximity to Allah Ta'ala.

THE TYPES OF I'TIKAF
There are three types of I'tikaf: Wajib, Sunnatul Muakkadah and Nafl.

WAJIB I'TIKAF
An I'tikaf of Nathr and a Qadha I'tikaf are Wajib (compulsory) I'ltikaf.