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I'TIKAAF EXPERIENCE A P R A C T I C A L G U I D E F O R T H E M U ' T A F I K E E N W R I T T E N B Y N O M A N Z A Y A In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful DEDICATED To all the brothers and sisters and servants of God who aspire to fulfill a life of true purpose, that is to increase their Taqwa (righteousnes). I'TIKAAF EXPERIENCE NOMAN ZAYA © Copyright All Rights Reserved This simple guide is for anyone who is thinking about taking spiritual journey of I'tikaaf, or to one who has been granted the accommodations to perform I'tikaaf. May God Bless you, Ameen! Please share and forward to anyone that may benefit from this booklet. Notes To Reader: The author's humble request is that if References of Holy Qur’an verses noted you find this helpful and would like to from: "Holy Qur’an with English share your experiences or connect with Translation" by Maulvi Sher Alira other like minded souls, please join us. (Chapter:Verse) Hadith: Tradition containing sayings of the Holy Prophet (sa) displaying a way of life for Muslim Abbreviations: (sa): "Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam" http://www.TheSeekersPath.org Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him (used for Holy Prophet Muhammad sa) (as): "Alaihissalam/Alaihimussalam" On whom be peace (used for all other Prophets as) TABLE OF CONTENTS Congratulations 6 Introduction 7 A Day In The Life of... 8 Preperations 9 Tips To Consider 10 Post I'tikaaf 13 Checklist 15 CONGRATULATIONS Alhamdulillah! God Bless you on your decision (or even for the thought of’) towards taking the I’tikaaf journey. One cannot explain how blessed this experience is and most who have been humbled would be too modest to even tell you about their own experience(s). Staying for I’tikaaf is not just about trying to find the Night of Decree (Laylat Al-Qadr), but gain nearness towards your Creator. With no doubt, this experience will get you closer to God. It is an experience for you to cut yourself out of your worldly affairs, which keep you occupied for the majority of your life. Yes! God is Al-Rehman, Who always taking care of all our needs. He is Al-Reheem, who is always listening to our prayers and granting our wishes. When you take the I’tikaaf journey, it will lead you to experience God on another level which you cannot imagine. It is an experience that you must make the time for, and only then you will find out. Abu Hurayrahra reported "When Ramadan enters, the that the Holy Prophet(sa) said: gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed and the devils are chained" (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). So dear brothers and sisters, please do not delay from this blessing as we are never sure how long we may live. We might think that we will do I’tikaaf next year or the year after, but what guarantee is that you will be alive? We live in a society full of instant gratification and most seem to live as mortals. This leads to neglecting our time to prepare for death; for that matter, not even fearing death and avoiding the topic of death all together! So it is incumbent that you preview the rest of this booklet, as an efficient and effective read. INTRODUCTION We are so blessed to have the Holy Prophet (sa) as our mentor since he is the greatest example for all of mankind for eternity. There is no question as to why we cannot model our beloved Prophet (sa), who has shown us the way to righteousness. Every year during Ramadan, The Holy Prophet (sa) use to perform I’tikaaf. After his A Dilemma... demise, his wives (our Spiritual Mothers) followed this example by also performing In today’s world, most of us wait for I’tikaaf. our vacation time from work or business every year. Regardless if we take the time off to go and travel and explore or just wind-down and relax, we all need that break from our daily routines. Do we ever stop to think about embarking on a Spiritual Vacation? One might think that it is usually due to the financial strains and responsibility, which is usually the first excuse that may hinder most people. However, to this there is a solution: why not take your vacation time to experience Food For Thought... It'iikaaf? Most employers offer paid vacation for a minimum of 1 week per For example, employers offer 1 week year. If one has the ability to take one vacation time (others offer 2-3 weeks). day off work without any burden or If one has only one-week vacation time financial difficulty, then there is really (which translates to 7 days), adding the no excuse not to be able to perform weekend would allow anyone to have 9 I'tikaaf for a full of 10 days! days off without any difficulty. All would be required is one day off of work; and if you can afford to take one day off work, then it will be a wise decision on your part to take this journey for your soul. A DAY IN THE LIFE OF... Typical day routine starting at Iftar... ...A Mu'tafikeen (A person performing I'tikaaf) Iftari (open fast) Maghrib Prayer (congregation) Nuwafil The typical day (listed) is not Quran recitation something you must do, rather is a Eat Dinner recommendation based on previous Isha Prayer (congregation) experiences. You will reap most benefit Taraweeh (congregation) only when you spend the majority of Zikr (Remembrance of Allah) time in worship and meditation. This is Sleep (couple hours) only possible by following a strict Tahajjud (night prayer) routine to allow yourself towards Sehri (eat before start of fast) accomplishing what you came for (to Fajr Prayer (congregation) gain nearness towards your Creator and Quran recitation (tilawat) become righteous). Our habits enslave Sleep us to do what is easy and automatic for Refresh (shower, groom etc) us. Since this experience will be Nuwafil something not ordinary (or new to Read* you), you must consciously make an Zuhr Prayer (congregation) effort to allow yourself to follow a Zikr (ie. tasbih) routine and God will help you. As Read/Rest/Nap Almighty God says in the Holy Quran: Nuwafil "Dost thou not know that the kingdom of the Asr Prayer (congregation) heavens and the earth belongs to Allah Read alone? And there is no protector Dars-ul-Quran or helper for you beside Allah." (2:108) Having read that and knowing that you *Read can be and not limited to: Holy-Quran are set out to perform I’tikaaf, then God (translation or commentary), other religious books; is already helping you and will Help or learn/memorize Surahs or anything else related to faith matters, saying prayers (from Quran or you accomplish your goals. A your own personal dialogue with God), listening to Mu’tafikeen’s typical day explained sermons or anything related to faith and here is based on the Quran and Hadith. connecting to God. It is many of times mentioned that ultimate worship is during the sleeping At the end of this booklet, you will find hours. "The steadfast, and the truthful, and a checklist of daily tasks you may the humble, and those who spend in the way customize to your preferences. It will of God, and those who seek forgiveness in help you accomplish your daily goals the latter part of the night." (3:18) for I'tikaaf. PREPARATION Before your departure to the mosque, it will serve you to pack sufficiently and efficiently. Here are some pointers you may want to consider to make your experience effortless. Since you will be in seclusion, you must avoid asking someone for something you may need, so make sure you bring along everything required for your journey (avoid over-packing at the same time). The following list is good for a seclusion of 10 days, if you are doing less, you may not need as much (prepare accordingly). Note: once in I'tikaaf, you are to stay for the full term you set for yourself (except in dire situations). Furnishing: Clothes: Pillow and cushion 9 x T-Shirts/long sleeves Power bar/extension cord 3 x Pairs of pants/sweats Reading/night light 2 x Caps (topee) Small fan Shulwar Kameez (traditional) Sleeping bag/mattress Dedicated outfit for Jumaah Disposal bag (garbage) Pack both light & warm cloths Luggage/clothes bag Sweater/hoody Toiletries: Books: Toothpaste & toothbrush Holy Quran (w/translations) Shampoo, soap, towel, etc. Biographies Grooming (comb, nail etc.) Hadiths & prayers books Lightly scented perfume Notebook & pen Food: Other: Snacks Vitamines Water bottle TIPS TO CONSIDER Below are some tips regarding many areas that may help you become a better Mu’tafikeen. These tips relate to: avoiding hindering conversations, being mindful, forgiving, loving and fulfilling your purpose in I’tikaaf. If need be, include any of these tips on your daily checklist, especially ones you would like to start instilling which are not habitual (checklist can be found at end of this booklet). Please also share your own tips in the community. Avoid Secular Conversations Always focus on the purpose of your I’tikaaf journey. If you have any conversation, relate it strictly to topics focused on faith matters. Sometimes it is hard to avoid talking to others (especially ones that are not staying in I’tikaaf), please do not to come across being rude. However, it will be your best interest to keep such conversations to a minimum; even if it means keeping it simple by only conveying Salaam (and probably let them know that you will talk to them after Eid). What happens is that when a conversation begins, it tends to follow other matters that are not the priority for you as a Mu’tafikeen. You may be asked about secular matters or situations in life that should be avoided; this is because when you are in seclusion, the mind has ways of recalling such conversation and hence these thoughts disturb or hinder your communion that you have been working so diligently towards. The thoughts have a way of lingering on for a few days on end and you will regret wasting time on such matters that are useless for your I’tikaaf (which is limited to the days you are in the mosque). You may want to bring a pair of ear buds if you find that your mind tends to drift or wander around if you hear others around you speaking. Simply, put on the ear buds and you will not be bothered (just keep in mind of the next Salat time as you may not hear the Azan (perhaps set up a vibrate alarm on your phone). Avoid Cell Phone Using it can be become a big distraction, especially if you own a Smart Phone. If you need to take a phone call make sure to leave the prayer area and talk in a low tone so others are not disturbed. Text messaging, internet browsing and other distractions such as apps may keep you from achieving your purpose; if you cannot control yourself, it is perhaps best if you switch off your phone (or put on Airplane mode). Regardless of your situation, make sure you keep your phone on silent, as even the vibrate mode can be a distractions for someone who is very deep in worship. Try To Always Stay In Zikr If you are not reading Quran or Salat, it is best to focus on Zikr and a form of this is reciting Tasbih. This can include any Attributes of God you may want to invoke, seek forgiveness (Istighfar), or simply short prayers related to your requests and desires. This will also keep you away from conversing with others and keep you busy to the point that you will not have enough time to spend on useless conversations. Be Forgiving and Loving Every single moment, keep this mindset towards all that surround you. Try to instill the Attributes of Allah in your own being by striving to display such through your actions. For example, if a person has annoyed you for whatever reason, forgive him, just as God Almighty is the Most Forgiving (attribute). I’tikaaf will be a valuable experience if you use it to start a change in yourself to become a better person to all. Avoid blaming and all negative thoughts and emotions; these are all of Satanic nature. Be Mindful All your actions have an outcome, and some can be a disturbance to other worshipers. There are many areas this can be applied to and you may consider the few points here: Walk softly (as light as possible to the point where no one can sense that you are there, not even your neighboring Mu’tafikeen) Talk lowly (in soft tone so other worshipers in area cannot hear you) Avoid Egoistic behavior (as in showing off, arrogance, ignorance and idle talk) Avoid breaking wind (fart) around other worshipers (go out of prayer area if possible) Do not use heavy/strong cologne/deodorants that may cause allergies to others Proper Salat movements/positions with full concentration Say Salat in your heart (vs whisper that your neighbor can hear you) Add your own mindful tips here... Applied Lessons Learned Not just during I'tikaaf, but always to your daily life. These can be in the form of inspiration you receive while you worship. Perhaps document such inspirations in your notebook. Sometimes it is difficult to recall dreams and thoughts, it is best to note them down so you may recall later when required. Also avoid sharing dreams with others (as this can also be an ego driven behavior (showing off to others that you are pious and receiving dreams from Allah). Remember we are nothing and God is everything. The path of righteousness is very narrow and not the easiest to stay on; so when you are striving, always remember to thank and praise the Only One God who has Blessed and Guided you for taking such a journey. Ideal Times Daily tasks during I’tikaaf have been carefully listed (refer to "A Day In The Life Of..." section). These are all based on experience and will be essential for the novice or any Mu’tafifkeen for that matter. Add some of your own daily essentials below; in addition, to the listed acts of worship suggested in this booklet. Please add your own daily essential tasks here (helpful to add on your daily checklist)... POST I'TIKAAF After the last day of you spiritual journey in I’tikaaf, there will be many changes. Since you had been devoting full-time to your spiritual well-being (following a daily routine of strict worship), the step back to the secular world will seem somewhat challenging. Your reaction to these challenges will shape up to who you really become from the changes that will occur in your being. Keep the Faith Once you go about your regular daily activities, at first, it may become depressing. You may feel as if you are not at the same spiritual level as you were when performing I’tikaaf. Keep in mind the hadith as related by Hazrat Abu Dharra, who stated that he heard the Holy Prophet (sa) saying about Allah Almighty, “…He who draws close to Me a hand’s span, I will draw close to him an arm’s length. And whoever draws near Me an arm’s length, I will draw near him a fathom’s length. And whoever comes to Me walking, I will go to him running...” Perhaps it was easier to be closer to Allah during Ramadan as “the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed.” Use the I’tikaaf experience to incorporate those acts of worship in your daily activities and make them a habit. Just the very thoughtfulness and your genuine concern of your spirituality is a good sign and will keep you along your path to finding God in the secular world during your daily activities. As it says in the Holy Quran: "Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and ponder over the creation of the heavens and the earth: 'Our Lord, Thou hast not created this in vain; nay, Holy art Thou; save us, then, from the punishment of the Fire.' (3:192)" Be Humble It is totally the blessing of Almighty Allah that He bestowed upon you to have such a great experience during I’tikaaf. So beware of arrogance as the ego can be very subtle. Please be careful about how you think about others including yourself. Remember you are nothing and we all humans are nothing. It is only the blessing of Allah Almighty that allows us to be rightly guided and perhaps become good servants. So avoid thinking that you “know” or are “right” or feel “deserving” or any wrong thoughts just because you performed I’tikaaf. Continue to seek Allah’s Guidance, he is All Knowing All Aware. Allah Tala says in the Holy Quran: “Thereby does Allah guide those who seek His pleasure on the paths of peace, and leads them out of every kind of darkness into light by His will, and guides them to the right path.” (5:17) Avoid Arrogance The path of righteousness is so very narrow and we always need to seek Allah's guidance as we are not capable to stay on this path without God's help. It may seem as if we spend the majority of our time in useless worldly affairs or see others in this regard. If you have been humbled, you must automatically pray for such people and also for yourself. Keep in mind that just because you were a Mu’tafikeen, does not mean or guarantee your piety. Always seek Allah's help and seek forgiveness (and seek forgiveness, Istighfar). Also keep in mind that all your worldly actions and affairs can become a blessing and a form of worship, depending on how you take those actions. For example, simply eating for your body is just eating, but when you pray and be grateful for what you have and observe how the food ended up your plate makes the act of eating a form of worship. Always Be Steadfast Sometimes you may feel that your prayers are not being answered or taking too long. It is easy to be very demanding and also living in such a society, we have very little tolerance. God is Living and Listening to prayers all the time. We have to understand that sometimes we have no idea what we are asking for; the desires or wishes we pray for require us to grow on a personal level before we can acquire them. Other times it will be that we need to wait till it is the right time for those prayers to become a reality. The power of prayer is unimaginable and only when realized, one will be able to always seek the power of prayers. Sometimes the "unanswered" prayers are for our own good, as we may not be aware if what we praying for is in fact not good for us (spiritually or in a secular sense). Remember the very thought and action of you having the I’tikaaf experience is a blessing in itself. Therefore, keep on striving and you will not be of the lost. God does not let any believers goodness go to waste and all is accounted. God says in the Holy Quran: "O ye who believe! seek help with patience and Prayer; surely, Allah is with the steadfast." (2:154) Refer also to the “Tips to Consider” section of this booklet and try to make those acts a way of life. Remember, now, it is your chance to make a great change in yourself and strive to be the model others seek to achieve. May God Bless you and help us all be the model for the righteous. Ameen! CHECKLIST Feel free to add any daily priorities you wish to incorporate for your regime. Perhaps add a few new habits you would like to begin implementing in your life as well. Use as many empty boxes you require. Please do not forget to share your ideas with the community. Daily Priorities Day: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Salat Quran Nuwafil Zikr Read ___________________________ Memorize _____________________ Listen to _______________________ Journal/Write_________________ WITH GOD'S GRACE ...Anything is possible! This is a humble effort to instill the reader to seek everything from Our Creator. Thy is the Best Provider and Omnipotent Who can Bestow anything desired for the good of mankind.! So choose goodness for a better place on Earth. While we embark our journey on this secular planet, let's be the model for others to follow and lead towards righteousness. InshAllah! Please share with anyone you know that can benefit. http://www.TheSeekersPath.org