The purpose of I'tikaaf and it's advantageous
'I'tikaaf', the meaning of which is to seclude oneself in the mosque, with the express intention (niyyah) of 'I'tikaaf'.
Seclusion is usually associated with captivity, a tactic devised for those unwilling to proceed with instructions. The word brings images of individuals kept in boxed rooms, living with the bare necessities, echoing silence being their sole companion. To an unknowing person, entering this state out of choice, would appear somewhat bizarre and unappealing. However, as we take a closer look at this secluded man, we see that this is an individual who has broken free of all possible ties to the world. He is no longer chained to earth with materialism, he is a free soul wholly prostrating to his Maker.
Its time to take heed and admit to our faults and turn back to Allah. We've all heard this before, 'forgive and forget' it's become clichéd, and hard to apply. Apologising in some people's eyes can be the easiest of tasks or the hardest in some cases. It takes sheer guts and determination to be the bigger person in a situation to say you're in the wrong and admit you're sorry. Haste is from the devil, so take your time before you say or do something you will later regret.
