I'tikaf is one of the most unique acts of worship in Islam. In this spiritual sojourn, a believer secludes oneself in the House of Allah - a Masjid - to engage in worship, contemplation, and reflection on the self.

From an Islamic perspective, there are no restrictions on worshipping Allah, and an individual can supplicate to Him anytime and anywhere one’s heart desires. However, there are certain times and places in which one can develop a better connection to the Almighty Creator.

Sometimes, a person yearns to be alone, completely isolated from everyone. In such moments of desiring solitude, one may find it unbearable to be around even their closest friends, and may need to withdraw from their loved ones - seeking to be alone with their own thoughts and reflections.

This is where I'tikaf comes into the picture: Not only is it a spiritual retreat, but it is a break from the temporal world and all of its allure - the hectic work schedule, or the pressures at school, and the mindless scrolling on countless social media applications. In short, this great act of seclusion helps a person detach oneself from everything: friends, family, society, and the world - and to attach oneself to the only thing that truly matters: Allah.

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