Fatwa ID: 06818

Answered by: Mufti Mohammed Dilwar Hussain

Question:

If there is a locality which has 2 mosques in it and some of the people of that locality sit in one of the mosques for itikaaf but no one sits in the other mosque. will they still be sinful?

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

Allāh Ta’ālā has made the performing of I’tikāf compulsory upon the Ummah. As long as a few individuals from every locality perform it, the mandate will be considered fulfilled for that locality. However, if no one in a locality performs I’tikāf then the entire locality will be held accountable and stand sinful.

The conditions for its fulfilment are that it is completed in the final ten days of Ramadhān while in the state of fasting. [Radd ul-Muhtār: vol. 3, pg. 428] [1]

The performance of I’tikāf is not mandatory in every Masjid. Ideally, it should be done in the Jāmi’ Masjid (i.e., the largest Masjid in the locality). This would suffice the obligation of I’tikāf in that locality. [Radd ul-Muhtār: vol. 3, pg. 429] [2]

Only Allāh Ta’ālā knows best.

Written by Mufti Mohammed Dilwar Hussain

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

[1]أن الصوم شرط في بعض أنواع الإعتكاف وهو واجب والشرط يتقدم على المشروط، وإن الإعتكاف يطلب مؤكدا في العشر الأخير من رمضان فيختم الصوم به

[2]لبث. ذكر. ولو مميزا في مسجد جماعة هو ما له إمام ومؤذن أدّيت فيه الخمس أو لا؟ وعن الإمام اشتراط أداء الخمس فيه، وصححه بعدهم قال لا يصح في كل مسجد والصححه السروجي، وام الجامع فصحوا فيه مطلقا اتفاقا