Before the end of the 20th day of Ramadhan until the moon of eid ul-fitr is sighted, the act of sitting at the place where one offers one’s salah at home and engaging in ibadah is known as i’tikaaaf. There is great reward in this i’tikaaf. Once a woman commences with i’tikaaf, she can only leave that place for the purpose of relieving herself or for the purpose of food and drink. If there is someone who could bring the food and drink, she cannot leave that place even for the purpose of food and drink. She should remain in that place all the time and sleep there as well. It is preferable not to remain idle. Instead, she should occupy herself in the recitation of the Quran, offering nafl salahs, engaging in the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala, etc. If a woman experiences haid or nifas, she should abandon her i’tikaaf. I’tikaaf in such a state is not permissible. While in a state of i’tikaaf, it is not permissible for a woman to have intercourse with her husband, to sleep with him, cuddle or fondle him, etc.
