Women are also allowed to perform I‘tikaf, and it is a Sunnah act that brings great reward.
For women, the method of I‘tikaf is slightly different from men. If a woman wants to perform the Sunnah I‘tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan, she should go to the prayer area in her home before sunset on the 20th day of Ramadan and make the intention for I‘tikaf.
This place should be the area in the house that is usually used for prayer, remembrance of Allah, reciting the Qur’an, and other acts of worship.
If there is no specific prayer area in the house, she can choose a quiet corner or a particular spot, spread a prayer mat or sheet there, and dedicate that place for I‘tikaf. She should remain in that place for her worship. When the Eid moon is sighted, the I‘tikaf ends and she may leave that place.
For women, the prayer space in the home is treated like a mosque for men in the matter of I‘tikaf.
During I‘tikaf, the woman should stay in her chosen place day and night. She should eat, drink, and sleep there. She may only leave that place when it is absolutely necessary such as making wudu (ablution) or using the bathroom. She may also leave if bathing becomes necessary.
She should not leave the place for cooking or doing household work**, because this can break the I‘tikaf. However, if no one is available to bring her food, she may briefly go and get it herself, but she must return quickly and should not stay outside longer than needed. Otherwise, the I‘tikaf will become invalid.
While staying inside the I‘tikaf place, she may do small tasks such as kneading dough, cooking, or washing clothes if needed. However, it is better to arrange these responsibilities before starting I‘tikaf so that she can focus completely on worship, remembrance of Allah and spiritual devotion.
