Title: Regarding Ai`tikaaf ... Question: What does Sunnah of the Prophet tell us about ai`tikaaf ? What are the rules which one has to follow? What are the restrictions and limitations during this period?? Sheikh Mustafa Answer: Ai`tikaaf really implies restricting oneself to a particular place for a period of time. The period may vary from a few hours to ten or more days. The objective of restricting ourselves to a particular place, during Ai`tikaaf is to separate ourselves from our regular business and to spend some time in the remembrance and worship of the Almighty. In view of this objective, the most appropriate place for Ai`tikaaf is the mosque, if one exists in the accessible locality. During Ai`tikaaf , the most important rule is to strictly remain limited to the place of Ai`tikaaf and not to get out of that place, except in case of a pressing requirement. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad November 13, 2001