Observing I’tikaaf only during night

Question: We work at a shop that sells clothes. On the last ten days of Ramadaan we cannot observe I`tikaaf (seclusion for worship in a Masjid) during the day because of work conditions. Is it valid to observe I`tikaaf only at night and work during the day at the shop?

Answer: It is permissible to observe I`tikaaf even for an hour at a Masjid (mosque) where congregational Salaah (Prayer) is offered. It is valid to observe I`tikaaf without observing Sawm (Fast) during the time of I`tikaaf according to the most correct opinion maintained by scholars… read more here.

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If the one observing I`tikaaf leaves the Masjid for a certain reason

Question: If the one observing I`tikaaf (seclusion for worship in a Masjid) leaves the Masjid (mosque) for a certain reason, such as going home to wake his family up for Suhoor (pre-dawn meal before the Fast) because there is no one at home to do so, does this violate the conditions of I`tikaaf ?

Answer: Whoever enters I`tikaaf should not go out unless there is a need to conduct his necessary requirements such as fetching food and drink if there is no one to do so, or to relieve oneself if there is no toilet annexed to the Masjid. He may leave the Masjid during the time of Suhoor to wake up his family to prepare Suhoor meal and to be ready for Fajr (Dawn) Prayer if they cannot wake up on their own or if there is no one else to do so… read more here.

I’tikaaf is not limited to the three Masjids (Al-Masjid Al-Haram), (the Prophet’s Mosque in Madeenah) and (the Aqsaa Mosque in Jerusalem)

Question: We often hear people say that it is impermissible to observe I`tikaaf (seclusion for worship in a Masjid) in any Masjid (mosque) other than the three Masjids: Al-Masjid Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah), Al-Masjid Al-Nabawee (the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah), and Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa (the Aqsaa Mosque in Jerusalem). They support their opinion with the Hadeeth in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “No I`tikaaf (should be observed) except in the three Masjids.” They say that the Hadeeth is specific whereas the Aayah (Qur’aanic verse) is general and that the specific should have precedence over the general. However, I heard that our honored Shaykh `Abdul-`Azeez ibn Baaz had a different opinion. I would like you to inform me of his evidence hoping that Allaah will open our hearts to accept the truth. May Allaah reward you with the best.

Answer: I`tikaf is not limited to the three Masjids. Rather, the Jumhoor (dominant majority of scholars) is of the opinion that it is Mashroo` (Islaamically permissible) to observe I`tikaaf at any Masjid, preferably Al-Masjid Al-Jaami` (the large mosque where Jumu`ah [Friday] Prayers are held)… read more here.