What every Muslim should pack for Itikaf

Iʿtikāf is an Islamic practice consisting of a period of retreat in a mosque for a certain number of days in accordance with the believer's own wish. It is most common during the month of Ramadan, especially the last ten days.

My dad just left for Itikaf yesterday and i was the one who packed his stuff. So i thought i should share some tips on what to pack for Itikaf. This list is not exhaustive, these are mainly the important items one should not forget:

Extra Clothes (Male): It’s surprising how many men forget to bring extra clothes, thinking that they can survive with one Jalab for the entire period. I highly recommend for you to bring at least four to five Jalab and some other random for various reasons. (and no strutting around in tight shorts/trousers, sisters are watching)

Toilet Slippers: Yup, for those moments you have to use the bathrooms in the mosque and also when you want to walk or take a stroll around the mosque. The right slippers can ease your experience. Get good quality, waterproof slippers that are thick and durable.

Pocket Prayer Mat: Mosque are usually full and packed at this period, so it is advisable to get your own prayer mat.

Toiletries: Don’t assume you can buy everything you need for personal hygiene when you get there. Or that the mosque would provide them, the mosque may or may not so make sure you add that to your list.

Pocket Books: The following pocket books are absolutely essential to make the most of your Itikaf: Pocket-Size Quran (Translation of the Quran if you can’t read the Arabic), Fortress of the Muslim Du’a Book, spiritual books etc. (Alternatively, if you have an iPhone/Android), you can download most of these books to your phone instead of carrying the books).

Notebook + Pen: Itikaf  is a time of reflection and contemplation, and with that will come loads of thoughts which you wished you could write and record somewhere. Don’t catch yourself off-guard! Carry a pen/paper absolutely everywhere.

– Label Everything: make sure you label everything you have with a unique sign, e.g. a ribbon, white clothe, a massive name tag, anything that’ll distinguish your personal items from others. Since the mosque is usually full, it’s easy to lose stuff.

– Be extremely organized:  YThings get lost a lot during Itikaf so make sure you have clear locations where your stuff goes and pack them neatly in identifiable bags so they don’t get mixed up with others. But even if something does go missing, stay calm and take it with grace and patience.

Hope that covers everything, if you think there is more essential items i should have added, please share in the comments below!