Is it permissible to perform i'tikaf in the mosque every Thursday to recite the Quran, study religious knowledge, and pray Qiyam al-Layl in congregation, as was done in Ramadan, or is this considered an innovation (bid'ah)?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Devoting a specific act of worship to a particular time without
religious proof is considered an innovation (bid'ah). This includes singling
out a certain day for i'tikaf (spiritual retreat) and gathering for it.
While i'tikaf is an act of worship, singling it out for a specific time in
this manner is an added innovation that should be avoided. This is because
any act that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did not perform,
despite the reason for it being present and no impediment preventing it, is
considered an innovation. Indeed, it has been forbidden to single out Friday
night for prayer and its day for fasting.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/128588
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- Original fatwa ID
- 128588
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy