Authored by: Shaykh Mubashar Ahmad Rabbani (حفظه الله)
Question:
Please inform us about the acts that are allowed during Iʿtikāf.
Answer:
The following actions are permissible during Iʿtikāf based on authentic narrations:
A person observing Iʿtikāf may exit the mosque for legitimate needs.
[Bukhari, Book of Iʿtikāf: Chapter on Whether a Muʿtakif May Exit for His Needs to the Door of the Mosque, 2035]
It is permissible to pitch a tent within the mosque for Iʿtikāf.
[Bukhari, Book of Iʿtikāf: Chapter on Tents in the Mosque, 2034]
The wife of the one observing Iʿtikāf may visit him in the mosque. If she has no maḥram to accompany her, he may escort her back home.
[Bukhari, Book of Iʿtikāf: Chapter on Whether the Muʿtakif May Exit for His Needs to the Door of the Mosque, 2034]
A woman suffering from non-menstrual bleeding (istihāḍah) may still observe Iʿtikāf.
[Bukhari, Book of Iʿtikāf: Chapter on Iʿtikāf of a Woman with Istihāḍah, 2037]
A person in Iʿtikāf may extend his head outside the mosque, and his wife—even if she is menstruating—may comb and wash his hair.
[Bukhari, Book of Iʿtikāf: Chapter on a Menstruating Woman Grooming the Head of the Muʿtakif, 2028, 2029]
❖ What Are the Permissible Acts One May Perform During Iʿtikāf?
Question:
Please inform us about the acts that are allowed during Iʿtikāf.
Answer:
The following actions are permissible during Iʿtikāf based on authentic narrations:
➊ Exiting the Mosque for a Necessity
A person observing Iʿtikāf may exit the mosque for legitimate needs.
[Bukhari, Book of Iʿtikāf: Chapter on Whether a Muʿtakif May Exit for His Needs to the Door of the Mosque, 2035]
➋ Setting Up a Tent in the Mosque
It is permissible to pitch a tent within the mosque for Iʿtikāf.
[Bukhari, Book of Iʿtikāf: Chapter on Tents in the Mosque, 2034]
➌ Meeting with One’s Wife
The wife of the one observing Iʿtikāf may visit him in the mosque. If she has no maḥram to accompany her, he may escort her back home.
[Bukhari, Book of Iʿtikāf: Chapter on Whether the Muʿtakif May Exit for His Needs to the Door of the Mosque, 2034]
➍ Iʿtikāf by a Woman Experiencing Istihāḍah
A woman suffering from non-menstrual bleeding (istihāḍah) may still observe Iʿtikāf.
[Bukhari, Book of Iʿtikāf: Chapter on Iʿtikāf of a Woman with Istihāḍah, 2037]
➎ Head Grooming by Wife During Menstruation
A person in Iʿtikāf may extend his head outside the mosque, and his wife—even if she is menstruating—may comb and wash his hair.
[Bukhari, Book of Iʿtikāf: Chapter on a Menstruating Woman Grooming the Head of the Muʿtakif, 2028, 2029]
