I'tikaf for the whole of Ramadan

Question

What is the ruling on performing i'tikaf for the whole of Ramadan? If someone has performed i'tikaf for the whole of blessed Ramadan, will there be reward for it or not? Ten days are established by hadith; so what is the ruling on doing something that is not established while regarding it as a source of reward? Kindly write a complete answer with proofs.

Answer

The i'tikaf of the last ten days of the month of Ramadan is an emphasized sunna 'ala al-kifaya (a sunna discharged for all when some perform it). I'tikaf for the whole month in search of the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr) is also established from the noble Prophet ﷺ, and twenty days are established as well.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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