Q: I was reading something on one of the islamic forums on the net. They were talking about their musjid not having facilities for women’s I’tikaaf. When I mentioned that as far as I know, women are supposed to observe I’tikaaf at home, a lady replied: If a woman wishes to perform i’tikaaf, then she should do so in a masjid, so long as there is no danger in that (such as free-mixing and complacency regarding the hijaab, etc). Please explain if this is correct.
A: The abundance of dangers in this time is not unknown. Hence, they should make itikaaf in the confines of their homes in the place that is reserved for salaah.
لبث ( امرأة في مسجد بيتها ) ويكره في المسجد ولا يصح في غير موضع صلاتها من بيتها كما إذا لم يكن في مسجد ( الدر المختار 2/441)
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)