LEAVING THE MASJID WHILST DOING I’TIKAF
Question:
I have heard that it is permissible to leave the Masjid to go for a Janazah Salaah if one is in Sunnah I’tikaaf. Is this correct? If I do this, will my Sunnah I’tikaaf be affected?
In a similar manner, what if I have to leave the Masjid to attend to an emergency at home, would my SunnahI’tikaaf be affected?
Answer:
According to the Hanafi Madhab, it is not permissible to leave the Masjid to attend a Janazah Salaah if one is in Sunnah I’tikaaf. If done, this will nullify one’s I’tikaaf.
In substantiation to this, it is stated in Al-Fataawa Al-Hindiyyah:-
“If a person came out (of the Masjid) for Janazah (Salaah), his I’tikaaf will be nullified.”
With regards to leaving the Masjid to attend an emergency at home, if it is on account of severe necessity, then this will be allowed as long as one returns before half day. If one exceeds half day, then his I’tikaaf will be nullified. This is the view of Imams Abu Yusuf and Muhammad (AR), and many of the Hanafi Fuqaha (jurist experts) have given preference to this view.
However, though there is allowance, the more precautionary view is that one’s I’tikaaf will become nullified.
And Allah Knows best
Maulana Saeed Ahmad Khan
17/3/2022
Ref:
(Al Muheet Al Ridhwi Vol.2 Pg.56 Dar Al Kutub Al Ilmiya; Al Muheet Al Burhani Vol.3 Pg.380 Idaratul Quran; Al Bahr Ar Ra”iq Vol. 2 Pg.302 Rasheediya; Fatawa Mahmoodiya Vol.10 Pg.442 Farooqiyah Karachi)
Checked and approved by
Mufti Waseem Khan