31. Can I Do I’tekaaf At Home?

I‘tekaaf means staying in the masjid to worship Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala and draw close to Him.

I’tekaaf is valid ONLY if it’s done in the masjid.
And it’s not valid anywhere else.

Proof

Allaah says:

“And do not approach your wives while you are in I‘tekaaf in the masaajid.” (Surah al-Baqarah:187)

Here Allaah is *specifically* telling us that Itekaaf is done only in the masjid.

Also we know that our Mothers, the wives of the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam used to observe Itekaaf in the masjid ONLY. Therefore it’s not allowed to do I’tekaaf except in the MASJID, and NOWHERE else.

This applies EVEN if the masjid are closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

And this ruling applies to men as well as women.

It’s like Tawaaf.

Tawaaf is ONLY valid around the Kaa’bah.
So now that Masjid al-Haraam is closed, can we do Tawaaf around our house?
Or any other masjid?
No of course not. 

Allaah is not unfair.
He KNOWS our situation.
He KNOWS we want to do I’tekaaf but we can’t.

So He will give us rewards JUST for our good intentions.

When a person forms a definite intention to do good deed, something *prevents* him from doing that, he will still be rewarded for it.

For example:

Jaabir radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“We were with the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam
on a campaign and he said:

"You did not travel any distance or cross any valley but in Madinah there are men who were with you, but they were kept behind by sickness."

According to another version:

"… but they *shared the reward with you*." (Muslim, 1911)

These Sahaabah could not go on the campaign with the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam because they were sick.

So Allaah rewarded them just as if they were there!

Allaahu Akbar!

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

"Whoever goes to his bed intending to get up and pray at night, then his eyes overwhelm him and (he sleeps) until morning, *the (reward for) that which he intended will be written for him*, and his sleep is a *charity* for him given by his Lord, Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala.” (al-Nasaa’i, 1787; Ibn Maajah, 1344; saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 601)

And the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam also said:

"Whoever sincerely asks Allaah for martyrdom will attain the status of the martyrs even if he dies in his bed." (Muslim, 1909)

Subhaan Allaah!

There are many other ahaadeeth that show us that we will get the reward of good deeds, IF we sincerely wanted to do them but we’re prevented for some reason!

Such is the Mercy of Allaah! 

So have faith in Allaah, do your best and leave the rest to Him.

In the end, remember the most important point....

Our deeds are NOT the reason for entry into Jannah.

Rather, it’s *Allaah's Mercy* that will take us there.

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

“No one’s deeds will ever admit him to Paradise.”

They said, “Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?”

He said, “No, not even me, unless Allah showers me with His Mercy.

So try to be near to perfection.” (al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

So have trust in Allaah and know that He's the One Who accepts our good deeds and multiplies them as He wishes.

He can make a small deed into a mountain from His Mercy and Generosity.

Allaah says:

“So keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him as much as you can” [al-Taghaabun 64:16]

And Allaah knows best