We practiced I`tikaf with Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) in the middle ten days (of Ramadan). In the morning of the twentieth (of Ramadan) we shifted our baggage, but Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) came to us and said, "Whoever was m I`tikaf should return to his place of I`tikaf, for I saw (i.e. was informed about the date of) this Night (of Qadr) and saw myself prostrating in mud and water." When I returned to my place the sky was overcast with clouds and it rained. By Him Who sent Muhammad with the Truth, the sky was covered with clouds from the end of that day, and the mosque which was roofed with leafstalks of date palm trees (leaked with rain) and I saw the trace of mud and water over the nose of the Prophet (ﷺ) and its tip.
Retiring to a Mosque for Remembrance of Allah (I'tikaf)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 2040
Context and Significance
This narration describes the practice of I'tikaf during the last ten nights of Ramadan, specifically highlighting the search for Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree). The companions initially believed the blessed night to be in the first twenty days, but the Prophet's guidance redirected them to the final ten nights.
Divine Confirmation Through Natural Signs
The Prophet's vision of prostrating in mud and water was miraculously confirmed by actual rainfall. This served as a tangible sign from Allah validating the Prophet's knowledge of Laylat al-Qadr's timing. The physical evidence of mud on the Prophet's nose demonstrates the literal fulfillment of his vision.
Scholarly Commentary on I'tikaf Regulations
Classical scholars derive from this hadith that one may temporarily leave the mosque during I'tikaf for essential needs, as the companions moved their belongings. However, the Prophet's command to return establishes that unnecessary absence invalidates I'tikaf. The hadith also indicates the superiority of observing I'tikaf during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
Spiritual Lessons
This incident teaches the importance of following prophetic guidance even when it contradicts personal assumptions. The companions immediately obeyed despite having already packed, demonstrating complete submission to divine wisdom. The physical signs further strengthened their faith in prophethood and the certainty of Laylat al-Qadr's occurrence in the final ten nights.