Avoiding these Actions During I’tikaf In Ramadhan (Malfoozat of Shaykh al-Islam Hazrat Maulana Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani)

The following actions are considered Makrooh (disliked) during the state of I’tikaf:

1. Complete Silence: Staying completely silent is not an act of worship in Shari’ah. If someone remains silent believing it to be worship, it will be considered a sinful innovation (Bid’ah). However, if one does not consider silence as worship but maintains it to avoid sin, then there is no harm in that. Nevertheless, one should not avoid speaking where it is necessary.
2. Engaging in Idle and Unnecessary Talk: Engaging in unnecessary conversation is also disliked. Brief, necessary conversation is allowed, but the mosque should not be turned into a place for idle chatter.
3. Bringing Trade Goods into the Mosque and Selling Them: It is disliked to bring trade goods into the mosque and sell them.
4. Occupying Excessive Space for I’tikaf: It is disliked to occupy so much space in the mosque for I’tikaf that it causes inconvenience to other mu’takifeen or worshippers.
5. Writing for Pay, Sewing Clothes, or Teaching for Compensation: It is also considered Makrooh for a mu’takif to engage in paid activities such as writing, sewing, or teaching during I’tikaf. However, for someone who cannot earn their livelihood during the days of I’tikaf without such activities, some scholars provide a concession by drawing an analogy with trade. And Allah knows best.

(Ahkam-e-I’tikaf, Page 50)

This Malfooz is selected by Dr. Faisal Sahib.