I'tikaf

Origin

İtikâf is derived from the Arabic word iˁtikāf اِعتكاف, which means to seclude oneself in a mosque for worship. This term is the eighth form (iftiˁāl) of the Arabic verb ˁakafa عَكَفَ, meaning to restrain, hold back, or endure.

Areas of Use

• Religion: In Islam, it refers to the practice of devoting oneself exclusively to worship, particularly during the last ten days of Ramadan, either in a mosque or in a corner of one’s home.
• Sufism: It is used to describe the state of seclusion and ascetic practices such as retreat and solitude.
• Everyday Language: It is commonly used metaphorically to describe someone who has withdrawn to a corner or disengaged from worldly affairs.