Lower your voice to respect the believers sitting in for I'tikaf (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

The last ten days are full of mercy for all believers, specially for those sitting in the masjids for I'tikaf, the voluntary seclusion and worship Allah be even sacrificing the comfort of their homes. We must respect these blessed believers and provide them conducive environment so they are able to concentrate fully in their worship with unhindered and undisturbed, and extreme devotion.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ made a special request to people outside the secluded chamber or portion of the masjid from reciting Qur'an or prayer in a lower tone so that worship of those in I'tikaf is not disturbed. 

This Hadith is mentioned in Sunan Abi Dawud (Book # 5  Prayer (Kitab Al-Salat): Voluntary Prayers / كتاب التطوع / Chapter # 466 Raising One's Voice With The Recitation During The Night Prayer / باب ي رَفْعِ الصَّوْتِ بِالْقِرَاءَةِ فِي صَلاَةِ اللَّيْلِ as Hadith number # 1332, quoted herein under:

Narrated AbuSa'id al-Khudri:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) retired to the mosque. He heard them (the people) reciting the Qur'an in a loud voice. He removed the curtain and said: Lo! every one of you is calling his Lord quietly. One should not trouble the other and one should not raise the voice in recitation or in prayer over the voice of the other.

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا الْحَسَنُ بْنُ عَلِيٍّ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّزَّاقِ، أَخْبَرَنَا مَعْمَرٌ، عَنْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ بْنِ أُمَيَّةَ، عَنْ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ، قَالَ ‏:‏ اعْتَكَفَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي الْمَسْجِدِ فَسَمِعَهُمْ يَجْهَرُونَ بِالْقِرَاءَةِ، فَكَشَفَ السِّتْرَ وَقَالَ ‏:‏ ‏"‏ أَلاَ إِنَّ كُلَّكُمْ مُنَاجٍ رَبَّهُ فَلاَ يُؤْذِيَنَّ بَعْضُكُمْ بَعْضًا، وَلاَ يَرْفَعْ بَعْضُكُمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ فِي الْقِرَاءَةِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ أَوْ قَالَ ‏:‏ ‏"‏ فِي الصَّلاَةِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)

Respecting others during I'tikaf is essential to maintaining the sanctity and purpose of this spiritual retreat. I'tikaf is a time when a Muslim isolates themselves from worldly distractions, focusing on worship, reflection, and strengthening their relationship with Allah. As I'tikaf is a deeply spiritual activity, it requires a person to maintain not only a good relationship with Allah but also to treat fellow worshippers with respect and kindness.

Here are several ways to show respect to others during I'tikaf:

• Respecting the Space and Environment:
• Quiet and Peaceful Environment: Since I'tikaf is typically observed in a mosque, it is important to maintain a peaceful and quiet environment for both yourself and others. Avoid loud conversations, unnecessary noise, and anything that may disturb fellow worshippers. This allows everyone to focus on their worship and reflection.
• Proper Behavior: Be mindful of your behavior in the mosque. Engage in acts of worship, prayer, and reflection, but avoid anything that may cause discomfort or disturbance to others. This includes avoiding unnecessary talking, playing with your phone, or engaging in actions that may distract others from their worship.
• Being Considerate of Others’ Needs:
• Sharing Space: If you are observing I'tikaf in a shared space, be considerate of others' need for privacy, comfort, and tranquility. Ensure you are not occupying excessive space or disturbing others' personal space during this time.
• Considerate Timing: Be mindful of others' prayer times and schedules, particularly when it comes to using communal areas for rest or food. Try to avoid interrupting others' worship or prayer by being in the way or taking up space at the wrong times.
• Avoiding Arguments or Disputes:
• Patience and Tolerance: During I'tikaf, you may be around a variety of individuals with different personalities, perspectives, and practices. It is important to exercise patience and tolerance. If any disagreements or conflicts arise, handle them calmly and respectfully, avoiding anger or harshness. Remember that I'tikaf is meant to purify the heart, and engaging in disputes can take away from the spiritual benefits.
• Being Humble: Maintaining humility is crucial in I'tikaf. Avoid any behavior that might show arrogance, superiority, or self-righteousness. Instead, focus on cultivating humility, being respectful to everyone regardless of their social status or background.
• Respecting Privacy:
• Respecting Personal Space: Some people may prefer solitude or quiet during I'tikaf to focus on personal reflection or worship. Respect their space and privacy, and avoid unnecessary interactions or intrusions.
• Avoiding Gossip or Negative Talk: It’s important to avoid engaging in gossip, backbiting, or speaking ill of others during I'tikaf. These negative behaviors harm the spiritual state of the person performing I'tikaf and can affect the peace and respect within the community. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, "Do not backbite each other" (Quran 49:12), which is a principle to adhere to, especially during I'tikaf.
• Maintaining Cleanliness:
• Respecting the Cleanliness of the Mosque: Keep the mosque clean and free from clutter. This includes picking up after yourself, disposing of trash properly, and maintaining a clean environment for all. It is also respectful to maintain personal cleanliness, such as performing ablutions regularly and keeping your space tidy.
• Caring for Shared Resources: If you're sharing food, drinks, or other communal resources during I'tikaf, be respectful and avoid wastage. Share generously but with consideration for others' needs, and ensure that resources are used appropriately.
• Helping and Supporting Fellow Worshippers:
• Offering Assistance: Be kind and helpful to others who may need assistance, whether it's helping with chores, sharing knowledge, or offering advice in a gentle and respectful manner. If someone is struggling with a particular aspect of worship or needs help with logistics during I'tikaf, offer your assistance with humility and kindness.
• Being Encouraging: Encourage others in their acts of worship, whether it's offering a kind word, assisting them in their study of the Quran, or reminding them of good deeds. Support each other in the pursuit of greater spirituality.
• Respecting the Imam and Religious Authorities:
• Following the Guidance of the Imam: If the mosque has an Imam or religious leader leading prayers or giving lectures, it is important to show respect for their guidance. Listen attentively to their sermons, advice, or any instructions given during I'tikaf, and follow their direction in a respectful manner.
• Seeking Knowledge with Respect: If you're engaging in religious discussions or seeking knowledge during I'tikaf, always approach the scholars, teachers, and fellow worshippers with respect, humility, and a desire for learning.
• Respecting the Time of I'tikaf:
• Avoiding Time-Wasting Activities: The purpose of I'tikaf is to focus on worship, prayer, reflection, and deepening your connection with Allah. Therefore, avoid wasting time on unnecessary conversations, watching media, or engaging in activities that distract you from the main goal of I'tikaf.
• Respecting Other People’s Worship Time: Be conscious of when others are engaged in worship or prayer. For instance, during the Taraweeh prayers, or while others are doing dhikr (remembrance of Allah), refrain from unnecessary conversation or movement in a way that could distract or disturb their focus.
• Being Mindful of the Heart: Since I'tikaf is about purifying the heart, ensure that your inner intentions toward others are sincere. Avoid harboring negative thoughts, jealousy, or pride against anyone. Approach your time in I'tikaf with a clean heart, seeking to improve yourself spiritually.

Respecting others during I'tikaf is crucial to maintaining the spiritual and communal harmony of the mosque and ensuring the purity of your worship. It requires mindfulness, humility, patience, and consideration for fellow worshippers. By following these guidelines, you contribute to a peaceful and respectful environment conducive to spiritual growth, both for yourself and others.  

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Saum - Fasting in Ramadan for more Hadiths on the subject

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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The virtue of finding Laylat al-Qadr - the night better than thousand months while in I'tikaf

The month of Ramadan comes with bag overflowing with very many mercies of Allah for fasting during the thirty days of this sacred months is an exclusive form of worship of Allah. It is the month which Allah acknowledges the sacrifice made by the believers by abstaining from all otherwise Halal things during the duration of the fast during day solely to please Allah. And Allah never lets go the act of fasting believers and promises special rewards.

While all days and nights of Ramadan are special and each act of worship has its rewards multiplied by unimaginable times, the rewards during the last ten days, specially the odd nights carries special rewards, for during these odd nights comes a night, called Laylat al-Qadr (The night of Power) the rewards of worship during this night is promised to be better than worship of a thousand nights. And if one finds this night during I'tikaf, the rewards are innumerable.

In one of the Hadiths, Aishaؓ, revered wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ narrated: Allah's Messenger ﷺ used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan, and used to say, “Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. (Sahih Bukhari # 2020).

Finding Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) while in I'tikaf (spiritual retreat) during Ramadan holds great significance in Islam. The night itself is described as being one of immense spiritual value, and engaging in I'tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan increases the likelihood of witnessing it. The Qur'an and Hadith highlight the special virtues of Laylat al-Qadr, and I'tikaf provides an ideal environment for seeking it.

[Please read our earlier post on exegesis of Surah Al Qadr: Exegesis/tafsir of Surah Al Qadr ]

Virtues of Laylat al-Qadr:

• The Night of Great Value:
• Laylat al-Qadr is a night of immense spiritual reward. The Qur'an refers to it as a night better than a thousand months:
• Surah Al-Qadr (97:3): "The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months."
• This means that worship and good deeds performed on Laylat al-Qadr are rewarded as though they were performed for over 83 years, making it an opportunity for immense spiritual benefit.
• Revelation of the Qur'an: Laylat al-Qadr is the night on which the Qur'an was revealed. In Surah Al-Qadr (97:1), Allah says, "Indeed, We sent it [the Qur'an] down during the Night of Decree." This makes the night not just a time of great blessings but also of closeness to the message of Allah.
• Forgiveness of Sins:
• It is a night when Allah forgives the sins of those who seek His forgiveness sincerely. 
• The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "Whoever prays during the Night of Decree with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." Sahih Muslim
• This makes Laylat al-Qadr a unique opportunity for repentance and spiritual renewal.

Virtue of I'tikaf During Ramadan:

I'tikaf is a practice where a person dedicates themselves to worship, prayer, and reflection, typically in the mosque, for a period of time during the last ten days of Ramadan. There are several reasons why I'tikaf during this period is especially virtuous, particularly when seeking Laylat al-Qadr:

• Increased Devotion and Focus:
• By entering into I'tikaf, a person completely isolates themselves from worldly distractions and focuses entirely on worship, prayer, Qur'an recitation, and dhikr (remembrance of Allah). This state of devotion creates a perfect environment to seek Laylat al-Qadr.
• Hadith (Sahih Bukhari): "The Prophet (ﷺ) used to perform I'tikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan, seeking Laylat al-Qadr."
• Increased Chances of Finding Laylat al-Qadr:
• While the exact night of Laylat al-Qadr is unknown, it is believed to fall during one of the last ten odd nights of Ramadan (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th). I'tikaf during these last ten nights maximizes the chances of encountering this blessed night.
• The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to intensify his worship during the last ten days, seeking Laylat al-Qadr. By being in the mosque and engaged in worship during this time, a person is more likely to experience the night and its blessings.
• Spiritual Purity and Cleansing:
• I'tikaf offers a unique chance for spiritual renewal. By focusing on worship and avoiding worldly activities, a person can purify their heart and mind, making them more receptive to the mercy and blessings of Laylat al-Qadr.
• Hadith: "Whoever performs I'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan with faith and hope for reward, all of their past sins will be forgiven." (Sahih Bukhari)
• This purifying effect of I'tikaf increases the reward one can attain by seeking Laylat al-Qadr during this time.
• Immense Reward for the Worshipper:
• The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized that worship during I'tikaf, especially during the last ten days of Ramadan, brings great rewards. If a person spends their time in worship and devotion during I'tikaf, especially while seeking Laylat al-Qadr, they can attain the reward of a lifetime of worship.
• Hadith: "The one who observes I'tikaf is in prayer as long as they remain in the mosque, and the angels ask forgiveness for them." (Sahih Bukhari)
• Increased Knowledge and Reflection:
• I'tikaf also provides an opportunity for reflection, deepening one's knowledge of Islam, and engaging in supplication. It’s a time to strengthen one's connection to Allah, to seek His guidance, and to reflect on one's life and actions.
• The quiet and solitude of I'tikaf help foster an environment conducive to sincere supplication and supplication for forgiveness, as one asks for Allah's mercy and strives to improve their relationship with Him.

Combining the Virtues:

• I'tikaf during the last ten nights of Ramadan provides the perfect opportunity to catch Laylat al-Qadr, a night where worship holds the reward of a thousand months.
• By engaging in I'tikaf, you can increase your chances of witnessing Laylat al-Qadr while maximizing your worship, prayer, and supplication. The tranquility and focus of I'tikaf help make this period even more spiritually rewarding.
• Additionally, I'tikaf is a means of isolating oneself from worldly distractions, giving more time for acts of worship like Tahajjud (night prayer), Qur'an recitation, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and dua (supplication) — all of which are highly recommended during Laylat al-Qadr.

In short, finding Laylat al-Qadr while in I'tikaf during Ramadan is one of the most spiritually enriching experiences a Muslim can seek. I'tikaf during the last ten nights enhances the likelihood of encountering the Night of Decree, which brings great spiritual rewards and forgiveness. The combination of sincere devotion, prayer, and purification through I'tikaf provides a powerful means to connect deeply with Allah, cleanse the soul, and attain the immense blessings associated with Laylat al-Qadr.

You may like to watch an insight as How to Catch Laylat al-Qadr and Maximize Its Rewards by eminent Muslim scholar Nouman Ali Khan, In the video the scholar talks about the importance of Laylat al-Qadr which is the most powerful night of the year and asks are you ready for it? He also breaks down the meaning of Surah Al-Qadr and the immense blessings of this night. He also emphasises on Why does the Quran call it ‘better than a thousand months’? What happens when angels descend to the earth? Why is your destiny for the next year decided on this night?

So my brothers and sisters in Islam, don’t miss out on the most significant night of Ramadan seek its rewards. Who knows we will find the next Ramadan in our lives or not. 

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about As Salat for more Sunnah and Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad exclusive to As Salat.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Saum - Fasting in Ramadan for more Hadiths on the subject

Please refer to our reference page: Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards for more Hadiths on the subject

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

I’tikaf: Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ of retiring to Masjid for remembrance of Allah

The last ten days of the month of Ramadan are loaded with immense rewards and blessings of Muslims fasting all through this month. The ultimate comes in these last ten days when many a Muslim retire to the nearby masjid for remembrance of Allah observing I'tikaf " اعتكاف‎ " - an act of special form of worship exclusive to the month of Ramadan.

Read our exclusive post What is Itikaf and how it is Observed in Ramadan to know more about I'tikaf

The presence in the masjid while observing I'tikaf also allows the believers to be in the home of Allah and in the state of worship when Night of Qadr, A night better than the worship of a thousand months, takes place in the odd nights of the last ten days of the Ramadan.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to enter into state of I'tikaf all along his life and his wives also followed the suit and even continued to observe it even after the death of the revered Prophet of Allah. 

In a Hadith mentioned in Sahi Bukahri, `Aisha, revered wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has narrated:

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives used to practice I`tikaf after him.

From the  above quoted Hadith, it is known that I'tikaf is not only to be observed by men, but by women as well, for the have the equal right of earning reward and blessings of Allah from this form of worship. While men have to retire to a masjid for I'tikaf, women should observe it at their home in a secluded place which should be used by non-Mehram men of the family.

So let us take advantage of many blessings of the last ten days of the Ramadan and observe I'tikaf as was observed by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ regularly during his life.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Saum - Fasting in Ramadan for more Hadiths on the subject

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Source of Hadith

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More