It is observed that people do not spend their time constructively during I’tikaf. Others wish to do so, but do not have any idea what to do.
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The following practices during I'tikaf have been recommended by Shafeequl Ummah Moulana Muhammad Farooq Saheb (Rahimahullah) and serves as a guide for those in I'tikaf. This programme was adhered to when Hazrat performed I'tikaf in Darul Uloom Zakariyya, South Africa in 1998/9. It should be noted that this is a suggested format and maybe adapted according to one's circumstances.
MAGHRIB
Perform six rakats of Awwabeen
One tasbeeh of 3rd Kalima after meals
سُبْحَانَ اللهِ وَالْحَمْدُ للهِ وَلاَ اِلَهَ اِلاَّاللهُ وَاللهُ اَكْبَرْ
ISHA
After Taraweeh
Read a Deeni Kitab like Faza'il Ramadan, Hayatul Muslimeen, Jaza-ul-Aamal, Adabul Mu'asharat, Shauwq Watan, etc.
Khatm-e-Khwajghan thereafter, which is an accepted Ijtima'iy Ibadat (congregational practice) of our illustrious Ulama and Mashaikh
Method: Recite Durood 11 times
and thereafter read 360 times:
لاَحَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ اِلاَّ بِاللهِ لاَ مَلْجَأَ وَ لاَ مَنْجَاَ مِنَ اللهِ اِلاَّ اِلَيْهِ
- Surah Alam Nashrah 360 times with Bismillah
- then 360 times
لاَحَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ اِلاَّ بِاللهِ لاَ مَلْجَأَ وَ لاَ مَنْجَاَ مِنَ اللهِ اِلاَّ اِلَيْهِ
- Recite Durood Shareef 11 times – Ijtima'iy Dua
*****SHORT BREAK******
After refreshing oneself, perform fresh Wudhu and read two Rakats of Tahiyyatul Wudhu.
12 Tasbeeh Zikr with Niyyat of Allah Ta’ala's love or Zikr as prescribed by one's Shaikh. Thereafter fervent Dua.
BEFORE SLEEPING
One Tasbeeh of 3rd Kalimah
Muhasabah: To ponder over all your actions done from the time you woke up until night time, to make Shukr (offer thanks to Allah Ta’ala) for the good actions and to make dua to be given Taufeeq (ability) to do more, and to have regret over any wrong-doing or inappropriate act
Muraqaba-e-Maut: To meditate about death – the pangs of death, questioning in the grave, the day of Qiyamat (Judgment), standing before Allah Ta'ala, accounting for our deeds and passage over the Pul-Sirat; Ponder over these things and make a firm pledge never to go near sin again
Thereafter recite one Tasbeeh of Istighfar as follows :
سُبْحَانَ اللهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ سُبْحَانَ اللهِ الْعَظِيْمِ أَسْتَغْفِرُ
اللهِ الْعَظِيْمِ لاَاِلَهَ اِلاَّهُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّوْمُ وَاَتُوْبُ اِلَيْهِ
Thereafter sleep in accordance with the Sunnat
MORNING
Awake early
Perform 4 or 8 Rakats of Tahajjud
Partake of Suhoor
FAJR SALAH
To recite Surah Fatiha (Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alameen) commencing with Bismillah 41 times between the Sunnats of Fajr and the Fardh Salah. If a person does not find enough time between the Sunnats and the Fardh Salah, then read it after the Fajr Salah. This is a tried and tested prescription with great effect
AFTER FAJR
Recite Surah Yaseen
Recite Surah Ikhlas 12 times and send the reward to the soul of Rasulullah r and the souls of the Ummah
Recite Durood Shareef till Ishraq and send the reward to the soul of Rasulullah r and to the souls of the Ummah
Perform 4 Rakats Ishraq Salah and then rest
Wake up an hour before Zawal. Perform Chasht Salah of 4, 8 or 12 Rakats. Thereafter make Tilawah of the Qur'an Kareem
SUNNATS OF ZAWAL
Perform 4 Rakats after Zawal, before the Sunnahs of Zuhr
AFTER ZUHR
Taleem of one of the above-mentioned Kitabs – thereafter rest - awaken ½ hour before Asr and prepare for Salah
AFTER ASR
Tilawah of the Qur'an Kareem, 1 manzil of the Munajat-e-Maqbool, Hizbul Bahr and Dua before Iftar
GENERAL ADVICES
Be particular about occupying the 1st saff and performing Salah with Takbeer Ula (first Takbeer)
Remain in Zikr and do not be negligent
Maintain the etiquette and respect of the Masjid at all times
Make Shukr and be grateful for the ability to perform good acts and ask for continued guidance
Do all actions with sincerity and devotion
Speak only when necessary
Focus that Allah is watching me and I am in His house
OBSERVANCES FOR JUMUAH
Recite a Surah from the Musabbihat, i.e. any Surah starting with “Sabbaha” e.g. Surah A'la
Recite Surah Kahf
Perform Salat-ut-Tasbeeh
Be early in the Masjid from 1st Azan and perform two Rakat Tahiyyatul Masjid
Recite 70 times
رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ
70 times
اللَّهُمَّ اكْفِنِي بِحَلَالِكَ عَنْ حَرَامِكَ، وَأَغْنِنِي بِفَضْلِكَ عَمَّنْ سِوَاكَ
70 times Ayatul Kursi
Read 1000 duroods
After Asr before waking up from one’s place read the 80 Duroods
Fervent dua before sunset
One should remember his parents, teachers, Mashaikh, family and the entire Ummah in his duas.
May Allah accept the I'tikaf of one and all and make it a means of our salvation and entry into Jannah.
