Rules And Regulations Of Itikaaf
1. The performance of Itikaaf during the last ten days of Ramadan is a sunnah muakkadah alal kifaya (a Sunnah which has to be observed by at least one person from the locality for its fulfillment, or else the entire locality will be sinful for negligence of this Sunnah).
2. Itikaaf should be done in a masjid where the five times daily prayers are held.
3. A woman can designate a place for salat in her house and observe Itikaaf there, and she will acquire the same reward as one performing Itikaaf in the masjid.
4. One should refrain from idle talk during Itikaaf.
5. One performing Itikaaf should not unnecessarily go outside the boundaries of the masjid, as this will nullify his Itikaaf.
6. One can go outside to answer the call of nature or for a necessary bath (e.g. because of a wet dream, etc). Similarly, if there is no one to bring food from home, one can go home to eat.
7. A person can go to perform Jumah prayer in another mosque if it is not held in the mosque in which he is observing Itikaaf. He will have to return as soon as he has completed his Jumah prayer.
8. If a person accidentally leaves the masjid in which he is observing Itikaaf, this will nullify his Itikaaf.
9. To indulge in unnecessary worldly activities during Itikaaf is makrooh-e-tahrimi (close to forbidden)
10. To remain completely silent during Itikaaf is not permissible. If one remains silent after zikr and recitation, this is fine. Remaining silent is not a form of worship.
11. The Sunnah of observing Itikaaf during the last ten days of Ramadan will only be fulfilled if the mutakif enters the masjid with the intention of Itikaaf before the sunset of the twentieth of Ramadan
12. Fasting is a prerequisite of Itikaaf. The nullification of the fast will result in the nullification of the Itikaaf.
13. The intention of Itikaaf can be made in the heart, but it is better to do it with the tongue.