Question
Assalam u alaikum,
I would like to know whether women are allowed to perform i’tikaf in a masjid and if there is a specific area designated for women where they can perform i’tikaf?
Jazak Allahu Khayr
Answer
wa alaikumussalaam
Thank you for writing to us.
The Qur’an mentions the practice of ritual retreat (i`tikaf) with the words: “While you are in the mosques in a state of i`tikaf,” indicating that the prescribed method for i`tikaf involves seclusion in a mosque. This directive applies equally to both men and women. Therefore, it is clear that performing i`tikaf in a mosque is preferable for both genders.
However, many contemporary mosques lack adequate facilities for women to perform i`tikaf. In such cases, a woman may have no option but to complete her i`tikaf at home. This allowance follows the same principle as the permission for dry ablution (tayammum) when a person cannot perform wudu due to the unavailability of water or other reasons. Similarly, if a woman—or even a man—cannot perform i`tikaf in a mosque for any reason, they may complete it at home by confining themselves to a specific room or corner of the house.
Nevertheless, if women can find a mosque with proper arrangements for their i`tikaf, performing i`tikaf in the mosque should be preferred.
Regards,
Answered by: Mushfiq Sultan
Date: 2017-04-14
