Women doing I'tikaf at home
Fatwa No: 87182

Question

Can women do I'tikaf at home? Is the reward the same for women praying Qiyam in the mosque as women doing Nawafil prayer in the house even if they are able to go to the mosque to do Qiyam which is long prayer? Also, can the Eid prayer, Jumu’a prayer, and Tarawih prayers be prayed at home? Is their reward the same?
Third: as the Eid prayer, Jumu’a prayer, and Tarawih prayer, is it the ok to do at home and is it the reward is same? Please answer as soon as possible with details.

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

 

I’tikaaf is valid only in a mosque where the five prayers are performed in congregation. Therefore, a woman is not allowed to perform I’tikaaf in her house, and if she does so, it is not valid from her. 

Besides, she can perform the 'Eed prayer in her house but performing it with the Muslims is more desirable. Moreover, she may perform the Taraweeh prayer in her home and this is better for her than performing it in the mosque.

As regards the Friday prayer, it is only valid for her in the mosque with the congregation but her performing Thuhr instead in her home is better.

Finally, it should be noted that it is permissible for a woman to observe I’tikaaf in the mosque provided the women do not face any temptation. Also, she should abide by the rulings of the Sharee'ah when going out for the prayer in the mosque, like wearing Hijab, avoiding perfumes and the like.

Allaah Knows best.

Related Fatwa