When Is I’tikaf Obligatory, a Sunnah, or Voluntary?

Question

Explain the difference between obligatory i’tikaf, sunnah i’tikaf, and voluntary i’tikaf.

Answer

There is no i’tikaf that is obligatory as a fard in itself. It becomes obligatory (wajib) when a person makes a vow (nadhr). I’tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan is a confirmed sunnah. At any other time, whenever a person wishes, it is a voluntary (nafl) i’tikaf.

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