Chapter on Itikaf and What Fasting Is Obligatory in It

Muhammad ibn Yaqub, from Sahl ibn Ziyad, from Ahmad ibn Muhammad, from Dawud ibn Sirhan, from Abu Abdillah عليه السلام, peace be upon him: Imam عليه السلام said: “There is no seclusion for worship (itikaf) except in the last ten days of the month of Ramadan.” And Imam عليه السلام said: “Imam Ali عليه السلام, peace be upon him, used to say: ‘I do not regard seclusion for worship (itikaf) except in the Sacred Mosque, or in the Mosque of the Messenger, may Allah سبحانه وتعالى bless him and his family, or in a congregational mosque. And it is not appropriate for the one observing seclusion for worship (al-mutakif) to go out from the mosque except for a need that is unavoidable; then he must not sit until he returns. And for the woman is like that (also).”