The Practising Muslim · Voluntary Worship

Rulings and Benefits of Voluntary Worship Practices

Explore rulings on i'tikaaf, voluntary prayers, fasting, and night worship.

6 questions · Medium · about 4 minutes

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1. When does i‘tikaaf during the last ten nights of Ramadan end?

  • When the sun sets on the last day of Ramadan. (correct answer)
  • Before sunset on the last day of Ramadan.
  • Only after Fajr prayer on Eid day.
  • Only after Laylat al-Qadr has definitely passed.

Why

The period of i‘tikaaf during the last ten nights ends when Ramadan ends, and Ramadan ends at sunset on the night of Eid. A person may choose to remain until Fajr and then go to the Eid prayer, and some scholars regarded that as recommended, but the basic ending time is sunset on the last day of Ramadan.

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2. What is the ruling on taking medication to delay menstruation in order to observe i‘tikaaf?

  • It is permissible if it does not harm the body. (correct answer)
  • It is obligatory for any woman who wants to observe i‘tikaaf.
  • It is permissible even if doctors say it will harm her.
  • It is always forbidden, even if there is no harm.

Why

Taking pills to delay menses for acts of worship such as i‘tikaaf, ‘Umrah, or Hajj is allowed if they do not harm the body. If there is a medical concern, the woman should consult a doctor and make sure the medicine will not conflict with treatment or cause harm. If the pills are harmful, they should not be taken; if menses comes during i‘tikaaf, she must leave the mosque.

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3. Why is it problematic for a man to observe i‘tikaaf in a mosque where congregational prayers are not held?

  • It may cause him to miss congregation or leave repeatedly for another mosque. (correct answer)
  • It makes i‘tikaaf valid only during Jumu‘ah prayer.
  • It proves i‘tikaaf is forbidden in all small mosques.
  • It means women can never observe i‘tikaaf there.

Why

One view requires a man’s i‘tikaaf to be in a mosque where congregational prayers are held. Otherwise, either he may miss obligatory congregational prayer without excuse, or he may repeatedly leave to pray elsewhere, which undermines the purpose of i‘tikaaf. The source notes that this condition applies to men because congregation is obligatory for them; women do not have the same obligation.

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4. What is the ruling on voluntary fasting during the days of al-Tashreeq?

  • It is not valid to observe voluntary fasts on those days. (correct answer)
  • It is recommended for all Muslims.
  • It is required for everyone after Eid al-Adha.
  • It is valid as a voluntary fast if one intends it before dawn.

Why

The days of al-Tashreeq are the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth of Dhu’l-Hijjah. They are days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah, and voluntary fasting on them is not valid. The source notes an exception for pilgrims doing tamattu‘ or qiraan who cannot find a sacrificial animal; apart from that exception, fasting on these days is not allowed.

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5. What is the difference between qiyam al-layl and tahajjud?

  • Qiyam al-layl is broader, while tahajjud specifically refers to night prayer. (correct answer)
  • Qiyam al-layl is only for Ramadan, while tahajjud is only outside Ramadan.
  • Qiyam al-layl must be after sleeping, while tahajjud must be before sleeping.
  • Qiyam al-layl excludes prayer and includes only dhikr.

Why

Qiyam al-layl means spending part of the night in worship, including prayer, Qur’an, dhikr, and other acts of worship. Tahajjud refers specifically to prayer at night. Some scholars used tahajjud for any night prayer, while others limited it to prayer after sleeping. Therefore, qiyam al-layl is more general than tahajjud.

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6. How does knowing the virtues of qiyam al-layl help a person?

  • It motivates them to stand before Allah in night prayer. (correct answer)
  • It guarantees that every du‘a will be answered exactly as requested.
  • It removes the need for sincerity.
  • It makes night prayer obligatory again for everyone.

Why

Knowing the virtues of qiyam al-layl encourages a person to seek that act of worship and stand before Allah at night. Other helpful means include sincerity, realizing that Allah calls His slaves to worship, studying the practice of the righteous, sleeping early, sleeping in a state of purity, reciting bedtime adhkar, taking a nap, avoiding overeating, striving against oneself, and avoiding sin.

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A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

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