Question:
Based on the hadith in Bukhari (Hadith 233), if one could not observe i‘tikaf in Ramadan, can he observe it in Shawwal? Is that specific to the Prophetﷺ ?
Answer:
The hadith mentions that the Prophetﷺ intended to observe i‘tikaf in Ramadan and set up a tent. His wives also set up tents, and the mosque became filled with tents. The Prophetﷺ became upset, saying, “Is it righteousness that you seek?” He ordered the tents removed and did not observe i‘tikaf that Ramadan. Instead, in Shawwal, he observed i‘tikaf for ten days.
Can we conclude that if one misses i‘tikaf in Ramadan, he may observe it in Shawwal? Generally, no. If you never intended i‘tikaf in Ramadan and then casually decide in Shawwal to do it, this hadith is not evidence for that.
But if you had the intention in Ramadan and were prevented due to a valid reason (for example, illness or hospitalization), then this hadith can be evidence that you may make it up later.
The Prophetﷺ had intended and prepared but stopped due to a reason. So if someone intended i‘tikaf and was prevented for a valid reason, he may observe it later. But if there was no intention at all during Ramadan, this hadith does not apply.