What Is the Meaning of Iʿtikāf?

 The person must make the appropriate intention, either on the person’s own behalf or on behalf of someone else unable to do so, to commit to staying inside the masjid for the entire period chosen for i’tikāf, except for very important or unavoidable reasons (such as buying food or attending a funeral). This intention must be made on the sunset prior to the first day of i’tikāf.