Please comment on the ‘Sunnah I’tikaaf Application Form’ of Al Hilal Musjid in Durban.

Answer

In fact, these application forms are a scandalous mockery of Ibaadat. The application form is in emulation of kuffaar-style application forms. It is loaded with nonsensical questions. It is not permissible for the trustees of the Musjid to probe the personal lives and pry into their private affairs. They are guilty of Tajassus (spying) which is Haraam according to the Qur’aan Majeed. They should also have Taraaweeh and Fardh Salaat application forms! What has induced the trustees to advertise their Jahaalat?

I’tikaaf is a Sunnah act of Ibaadat which existed in the time of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The rules pertaining to I’tikaaf are elaborately explained in the Kutub of Islam. Nowhere is there the slightest justification for the stupid, nonsensical, scandalous kuffaar style application form which conveys the idea of the trustees of the Musjid being the owners of I’tikaaf and of the Musjid. They have assumed the haraam liability of deciding who should sit in I’tikaaf. They have no such right.

It is the inherent Shar’i right of every Muslim to resort to the Sunnah I’tikaaf. The right of the trustees is to only ensure that there are no violations of the Shariah. Stup