What is meant by i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque), and what are its types and timing?

The questioner : Thank you, may Allah reward you. We would like to know what is meant by i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) and what is its ruling?

The Shaykh : I'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) is for a person to remain in a mosque for the worship of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He), so that he is secluded from the people and occupied with the worship of Allah, and he separates himself for that purpose. It is valid in any mosque, whether it is a mosque where congregational prayer is held or one where it is not. However, it is better for it to be in a mosque where congregational prayer is held, so that he is not forced to leave for the Friday prayer.

The questioner : Yes, does i'tikaf have different types, or is it a single type?

The Shaykh : I'tikaf is only one type, which, as we have mentioned, is staying in the mosque for the worship of Allah (Mighty and Majestic). However, it may sometimes be accompanied by fasting and sometimes not. The scholars have differed on whether i'tikaf is valid without fasting or whether it is not valid except with fasting. But the well-known i'tikaf is that which is performed in the nights of the last ten days of Ramadan, because the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to perform i'tikaf in these ten days hoping for the Night of Decree.

The questioner : Does i'tikaf have a specific time, or is it limited to Ramadan, or is it permissible in months other than Ramadan?

The Shaykh : It is prescribed to be in Ramadan only, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not perform i'tikaf in any month other than Ramadan, except for what he did in Shawwal when he left off i'tikaf for a year in Ramadan and then performed i'tikaf in Shawwal. However, if a person performs i'tikaf in a month other than Ramadan, this is permissible, because 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)