Scene 1: The Evening Class on I'tikaf
The classroom was filled with the soft rustling of notebooks as the students listened attentively to Ayesha's lecture. The topic for tonight was I'tikaf, the spiritual seclusion observed in the last ten days of Ramadan.
Ayesha stood in front of the whiteboard, her voice calm yet engaging, as she explained, "I'tikaf is a special time in Ramadan where we cut ourselves off from worldly distractions and devote ourselves entirely to the worship of Allah. It is usually performed in the last ten nights of Ramadan, and for women, it can be observed at home in a dedicated prayer space."
Maryam, sitting in the front row, nodded attentively as she took detailed notes. She had heard about I'tikaf before but never truly understood its depth.
One of the students, Hina, raised her hand. "Sister Ayesha, is it necessary to stay in one place the whole time? Can we leave for any reason?"
Ayesha smiled, appreciating the curiosity. "Good question. If someone is in I'tikaf, they are required to stay in their designated place of worship. However, they can leave for essential needs—like using the bathroom, eating, or medical emergencies. But unnecessary outings or distractions should be avoided."
Maryam raised her hand next. "What about daily responsibilities? Can a woman doing I'tikaf at home interact with her family?"
Ayesha nodded. "Yes, but minimally. If you are observing I'tikaf at home, choose a quiet place like a small room or a corner of your house. Try to remain engaged in prayer, Quran recitation, and Dhikr (remembrance of Allah). However, if your family needs your assistance, help them briefly without getting distracted."
Maryam scribbled in her notebook, deep in thought.
Ayesha continued, "One of the most beautiful aspects of I'tikaf is that it brings a person closer to Allah. You isolate yourself from worldly affairs and focus on repentance, reflection, and supplication."
The class ended with a dua, and everyone left with newfound enthusiasm for the coming last ten nights of Ramadan.
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Scene 2: The Late-Night Discussion
After Isha prayer, Maryam and Ayesha sat in the quiet living room, sipping warm honey tea. The children had gone to bed, and the house was peaceful, allowing them to discuss I'tikaf in more detail.
Maryam leaned forward, excitement visible in her curious eyes. "Ayesha, I really want to do I'tikaf this year, but I don't know if I'll be able to do it properly."
Ayesha smiled warmly. "That's wonderful, Maryam! I'tikaf isn't about perfection. It's about sincerity. Allah looks at your intention, not how much you do."
Maryam bit her lip. "But I'm still learning… I might not know all the duas and supplications I should be reading."
Ayesha reassured her, "You don't have to know everything. Just focus on three things:
1. Praying Salah on time and increasing Nafl (extra prayers).
2. Reading and reflecting on the Quran.
3. Making lots of dua and Dhikr.
"If you do these sincerely, your I'tikaf will be meaningful."
Maryam nodded slowly, absorbing each word. "That sounds manageable. But… what if I get distracted?"
Ayesha laughed lightly. "Distractions happen. The important thing is to bring your focus back. And remember, even thinking about Allah is a form of worship."
Maryam felt a deep sense of peace. "Ayesha, I never imagined I would one day be talking about I'tikaf like this. A few months ago, I didn't even know what it was. Now, I'm actually considering it."
Ayesha reached for Maryam's hand and squeezed it gently. "That's the beauty of Islam. It's a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to Allah."
Maryam smiled, her heart full of gratitude.
"I think I'll do it," she finally said, determination in her voice.
Ayesha beamed. "Then let's prepare for it together."
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Scene 3: Preparing for I'tikaf
Over the next few days, Maryam and Ayesha started preparing for I'tikaf.
They set up a small prayer space in Maryam's room—a clean corner with a prayer mat, Quran, and Islamic books. Ayesha helped Maryam organize her daily schedule so she could balance her school responsibilities while dedicating time to worship.
One evening, as they packed essential items, Maryam asked, "Ayesha, why do people prefer to do I'tikaf in the last ten nights?"
Ayesha's face lit up. "Because one of these nights is Laylatul Qadr—the Night of Power. Allah says in the Quran that this one night is better than a thousand months. It's when the Quran was first revealed, and it's a night of immense blessings and mercy."
Maryam listened intently, deeply moved.
"So if I do I'tikaf, I might experience Laylatul Qadr?" she asked, excitement rising in her voice.
Ayesha nodded. "Exactly! It's an opportunity to ask Allah for everything you need. On this night, He forgives sins, grants wishes, and showers mercy upon those who seek Him."
Maryam felt her heart swell with hope.
She whispered, "Then I'll make sure to pray with all my heart."
Ayesha smiled, seeing how far Maryam had come in her journey of faith.
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Scene 4: The First Night of I'tikaf Approaches
As the last ten nights of Ramadan drew closer, Maryam felt a growing excitement.
She spent her free time memorizing duas, planning what she would do during her hours of solitude, and preparing her heart for deep worship.
One night before sleeping, Maryam sat on her prayer mat and whispered,
"Ya Allah, thank You for guiding me to this path. I never imagined I'd be here, learning about I'tikaf and wanting to spend my nights seeking You. Please accept my efforts and forgive my past mistakes."
A wave of peace settled over her heart.
She was ready for this new chapter of her spiritual journey.
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