When to Begin I'tikaf in the Mosque: Timing for Ramadan 2026

Spending time in a mosque is one of the most anticipated acts of worship during Ramadan. During this holy month, many Muslims begin to seek out the best time to perform iktikaf so that their worship is as effective as possible.

Understanding the timing, intention and procedure of iktikaf is important to ensure that it is carried out in accordance with religious teachings. In addition, this sunnah (recommended) act of worship has great merit, especially as Ramadan draws to a close.

What is Iktikaf?

Iktikaf is a sunnah act of worship performed by staying in a mosque to draw closer to Allah SWT. During iktikaf, a Muslim is encouraged to increase their acts of worship such as dhikr (remembrance of God), prayer, reading the Quran, and reducing worldly activities.

Quoting information released by the National Zakat Amil Agency (BAZNAS), the Prophet Muhammad SAW always performed iktikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan until his death. After that, his wives also performed it.

“The Prophet Muhammad SAW performed iktikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah took his life. Then his wives performed iktikaf after he died.” (HR. Al-Bukhari No. 2026 and Muslim No. 1172)

When is the Time for Iktikaf?

In general, iktikaf can be performed at any time and does not have a specific time limit. This means that Muslims can perform iktikaf outside of Ramadan as long as it is done in a mosque with the intention of worshipping Allah SWT.

However, the most important time is during the last ten nights of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad SAW consistently performed iktikaf during this period. In a hadith from Abu Hurairah radhiyallahu ’anhu, it is stated that:

“The Prophet Muhammad SAW performed iktikaf every Ramadan for ten days. In the year of his death, he performed iktikaf for twenty days.” (HR. Al-Bukhari No. 2040)

For information, the government through the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia has set the date for 1 Ramadan 1447 Hijri as 19 February 2026. Thus, the last ten nights of Ramadan will take place from 10 March to 19 March 2026.

Meanwhile, PP Muhammadiyah has set 1 Ramadan 1447 H on 18 February 2026, so the last ten nights will begin on 9 March to 18 March 2026.

Procedure for Performing Iktikaf in a Mosque

The performance of iktikaf begins with the intention of staying in the mosque in order to worship Allah SWT. The following is the prayer:

Arabic:

نَوَيْتُ الاعْتِكَافَ فِي هٰذَا الْمَسْجِدِ سُنَّةً لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى

Latin:

Nawaitul i’tikaafa fii haadzal masjidi sunnatan lillaahi ta’aalaa

Meaning:

I intend to perform iktikaf in this mosque as a sunnah for the sake of Allah Ta’ala.

After reciting the intention, a Muslim is encouraged to stay in the mosque and fill the time with various acts of worship such as sunnah prayers, reading the Quran, dhikr, and praying. During iktikaf, those performing it are encouraged to maintain focus on worship and reduce activities that are not related to the purpose of drawing closer to Allah SWT.

By understanding the timing and procedure, Muslims can make the most of the last ten nights of Ramadan 2026 to perform iktikaf optimally.

(wia/imk)