What is the linguistic meaning of I'tikaf (seclusion)?

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Linguistically, I'tikaf means adhering to something and restraining the self to it, whether something good or otherwise. This is evidenced by the Almighty's saying: "These are the statues which you are devotedly adhering to" (Quran 21:52) and "They cling to idols to which they remain devoted" (Quran 7:138). Al-Khalil stated: 'Akafa, ya'kufu, wa ya'kifu.'