Iʿtikāf 2026 – Hamptons & Central Mosque
Chelmsford Muslim Society invites brothers to take part in Iʿtikāf during the final ten nights of Ramadan 2026 at Hamptons (CMS) and Central Mosque.
Sunnah Iʿtikāf begins before Maghrib on Monday 9th March 2026 (20th Ramadan 1447H,) and continues until the sighting of the moon (Eid).
All participants must register using the form below. Spaces are limited.
Types of Iʿtikāf
Sunnah Iʿtikāf (Final 10 Nights)
Sunnah Iʿtikāf begins before Maghrib on 9th March 2026 and continues until Eid.
Those intending Sunnah Iʿtikāf must remain in the masjid for the majority of the time and only leave for genuine necessities. This is a serious act of worship and requires commitment, discipline and sincerity.
Nafl Iʿtikāf
Nafl Iʿtikāf may be performed for shorter periods. Participants may enter and leave as needed. However, everyone is strongly encouraged to treat this time with seriousness and avoid unnecessary socialising or distraction.
Phone Use & Digital Detox
We strongly encourage participants to control phone usage.
The final ten nights are a rare opportunity to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with Allah. Consider leaving your phone at home. Participants may also request that the Imams hold their phone for certain periods of the day.
We will strongly encourage everyone to spend at least a few hours daily without access to their devices.
This is not a time for scrolling.
Food Arrangements
We will try to facilitate food support where possible.
However, participants are responsible for arranging their own food. There is no guarantee that food will be provided every day. Community members may generously contribute, but this should not be relied upon.
Please come prepared and organised.
Programme & Expectations
Iʿtikāf is a structured spiritual retreat, not simply staying overnight in the masjid.
We will begin with a workshop covering the purpose, fiqh and etiquettes of Iʿtikāf. Behavioural expectations will be clarified from the outset. We will encourage full participation in Qiyām al-Layl every night and hold discussions and reminders throughout the final ten nights. A timetable will be agreed in consultation (Mashwara).
Participants are expected to attend Qiyām al-Layl, engage seriously in Qur’an, dhikr and duʿā, avoid idle talk and maintain discipline throughout their stay.
Prayer Area & Sisters’ Access
Brothers in Iʿtikāf must ensure that the entire prayer area remains clean, organised and ready for use at all times.
You will be eating, sleeping and spending extended time in the masjid. Bedding must be properly folded and stored away in the designated storage areas. No mattresses, pillows or personal belongings should be left in the prayer space. All items must be packed away neatly and the area left clean.
Sisters may attend any of the five daily prayers, including Fajr. Therefore, the sisters’ section must be fully vacated and cleared at least 20 minutes before each prayer time. This includes removing all bedding and personal items and ensuring the area is clean and presentable.
People will be coming to pray. The masjid is not a dormitory. It is the House of Allah.
Respect the prayer areas, the wudhu and toilet facilities, and the entire building. Be security conscious. Be safeguarding aware. We expect high levels of common sense and practicality in looking after the masjid.
Important Notes
Spaces are limited due to capacity restrictions and we can only accommodate a specific number of brothers. Please register early and complete the form accurately and honestly.
Further details will be shared with registered participants.
Registration is compulsory. Please complete the form below if you intend to perform Iʿtikāf in 2026.
