Conditions of I`tikaf

Q 4: What are the conditions of I‘tikaf (seclusion for worship in a Masjid)? Is Sawm (Fast) a condition of I‘tikaf? Is it permissible for a Mu‘takif (one who observes I‘tikaf) to visit a sick person, accept an invitation, tend to his family’s needs, attend a funeral, or go to work?

A: It is legislated to observe I‘tikaf in a Masjid (mosque) in which congregational Salahs are held. If the Mu‘takif is one of those for whom Jumu‘ah (Friday) Prayer is obligatory and the period of I‘tikaf will include a Friday, it is better for him to stay in a Masjid where Jumu‘ah Prayer is observed. It is not a condition for the Mu‘takif to be fasting. According to the Sunnah (acts, sayings or approvals of the Prophet), the Mu‘takif should not visit the sick during his I‘tikaf, accept any invitation, (Part No. 10; Page No. 411) tend to his family’s needs, attend any funeral, or go to work outside the Masjid, because it was authentically reported that ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Sunnah (action following the teachings of the Prophet) for the Mu‘takif is not to visit a patient, attend a funeral, touch or be intimate with his wife, or leave for any errand unless it is an absolute necessity.