Seize the opportunity...I'tikaaf

As we enter into the last third phase of Ramadhan, attention draws on dedicating ourselves even more exclusively to prayer and devotion in order to create a deep God-consciousness. It is this superb awareness and magnificent realization of Allaah that is the spring of the Muslim's thought, belief and actions. For me I'tikaaf (seclusion) is in fact the next step up from fasting, in spiritual reformation and purification of the soul.

During the days of I'tikaaf, the mu'takif (the one in seclusion) would attempt to detach themselves from worldly happenings and attach themselves to prayer and supplication.

I view I’tikaaf as a fantastic opportunity for a retreat. We all know of the various retreats such as those associated with holistic, aromatherapy, detox, yoga and other self help getaway places  but I deem this retreat is ever more elevated, as it is for the betterment of the soul and the mind. It allows for the mind to close the door on the world and the heart to engage in God consciousness, fully occupying with Allaah alone, applying our full concentration to Him the Most High. This retreat allows one to feel contented with Allaah and be at peace.

I'tikaaf is a recognized Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammed sallalahu alaihi wasalam and even before the time of the first revelation the Prophet of Allaah (sallalahu alaihi wasalam) would take himself to the cave of Hira for days contemplating and indeed it was here in the cave of Hira where the first revelation was sent down through Jibreel (Gabriel) alayhis 'salaam.

Isolating one's self  from the world may not seem like a fun thing to do at first! Is it not because we are so attached to the worldly affairs that the mere thought of not being part of it for a short time feels extremely difficult and challenging? Indeed it is challenging, but the challenge is with positive results for it is a healthy act; an act that allows one the time to worship Allaah and to think beyond the materialistic world that we are so accustomed to and this should empower the individual to become more self-disciplined. It certainly teaches us the real meaning of our being and existence and directs us to the right track. Surely it allows us dust the sins off our souls and give it an all new glow, augment and deepen our spiritual significance and polish our vision.

We all like to take a vacation, often at great costs just to achieve some pleasure. How about taking a retreat in a spiritual sense to achieve happiness, feel refreshed and tranquilized, refine and stabilize the mind and soul and best of it all is that it needn't cost you anything.

Finally the last third of Ramadhan is also a time to look for Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power) and is described in the Qur'an as a night better than a thousand months, Subhan'Allah! Worshipping through this one night is equal to the worship of a thousand months, how many of us live to the age of  80 some years to achieve something like this and in just one night we can achieve it. Truly, Glory belongs to Allaah alone.  Truly we are blessed as the Ummah of Rasul'Allaah (sallalahu alaihi wasalam.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: "Whoever prays during the night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven." (Reported by Bukhari and Muslim) and Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted the Prophet as saying: “When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the lower heaven and proclaims: Is there anyone supplicating to Me, so that I grant his supplication? Is there anyone begging of Me for anything so that and I grant him his wish? Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness, so that I forgive him?” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

and so for the next ten days as we increase our worship, let us also include recitation of the following dua (supplication) in abundance:

Say: "O Allah, You are Oft-Pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'"(Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Majah and At-Tirmidhi)

Let us all seize the opportunity.

Jummah Mubarak -:)

Aisha