Where Should Women Perform I’tikaf?

The commands and guidance mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah are addressed to all Muslims, irrespective of their social class. Every Muslim is subject to these instructions, irrespective of their status or social position, as everyone is equal in their servitude to God. Despite our immense difference in status, even the Prophet (peace be upon him), the leader of all Prophets, is an example we must follow. We cannot excuse ourselves by saying: “How can we compare ourselves to the leader of the Prophets?”

Certainly, specific rulings were exclusively applicable to him. But generally, commands in the Qur’an and Sunnah apply to every Muslim, man or woman, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Now, let us understand the general ruling about I’tikaf (spiritual retreat) from the Qur’an and Sunnah. Once its nature is clearly understood, every Muslim—male or female—must adhere to it unless specific evidence exempts them. We will first discuss this general guidance and then consider specific exceptions.

The Qur’an states:

> وَلَا تُبَاشِرُوهُنَّ وَأَنتُمْ عَاكِفُونَ فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ
“Do not approach your wives intimately while you are performing I’tikaf in the mosques.”
(Surah al-Baqarah, 2:187)

Another verse says:

> طَهِّرَا بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْعَاكِفِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ
“Purify My House for those performing Tawaf, those staying for I’tikaf, and those bowing and prostrating [in prayer].” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 125)

According to a hadith found in both Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, the whole earth is considered a place for prayer; thus, linguistically and technically, prayer can be performed anywhere. However, in Islamic law, when the word ‘Masjid’ is mentioned without any qualifications, it generally refers to a dedicated building specifically intended for worship. Indeed, the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Companions performed I’tikaf only in such mosques. There is no evidence that the Prophet performed or allowed I’tikaf anywhere other than a mosque.

According to the Companions and early scholars, some were even stricter about specifying particular mosques for I’tikaf. For example, Sa’id ibn al-Musayyib only permitted it in the Prophet’s Mosque, and according to some, only in the Masjid al-Haram. The general consensus is that I’tikaf should be done only in a mosque where the five daily prayers are performed in congregation. Some even required the mosque to host Friday prayers as well.

Thus, the general ruling is that I’tikaf must be performed in a mosque designated for the five daily prayers. Performing I’tikaf at home lacks any proof.

Should Women Be Exempted?
The language of the Qur’an and Sunnah generally addresses men, yet these rulings include both men and women unless explicitly stated otherwise. The verse mentioned above, prohibiting intimate relations during I’tikaf, clearly addresses men yet implicitly includes women. Just as rulings related to fasting, mentioned in the masculine form, are binding for women as well, the ruling on I’tikaf is equally applicable to both genders.

Furthermore, from the Qur’an and Sunnah, we have explicit proof that women’s I’tikaf should also be in mosques, not at home prayer areas. This is evident from the practice of the Prophet’s wives. They performed I’tikaf exclusively in the Prophet’s mosque. Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim narrated explicitly that the Prophet’s wives, including Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), performed I’tikaf in the mosque, even setting aside special tents for this purpose. In another instance, one of the Mothers of the Believers observed I’tikaf in the mosque despite experiencing istihadah (irregular bleeding).

A statement attributed to Abdullah ibn Abbas confirms: “The most disliked matters to Allah are innovations, and among innovations is performing I’tikaf in private mosques inside homes.”

Imam Bukhari specifically titled a chapter, “Women’s I’tikaf,” underlining the general permissibility and appropriateness for all women to perform I’tikaf in the mosque.

Imam Nawawi clearly states:
“I’tikaf is only permissible in mosques, not in the private prayer area at home for either men or women.” (Al-Majmu’, vol. 6, p. 480)

In conclusion, the practice of dedicating spaces within mosques for women’s I’tikaf aligns clearly with the Qur’an and Sunnah. May Allah guide us to follow the Sunnah correctly and protect us from innovations.

Disclaimer: This article was translated by AI.
Original article: https://t.me/DrAkramNadwi/5904

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