Is it permissible to ascend the roof or stay in the courtyard (Rahbah) of the mosque during i'tikaf?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of I'tikaf
Primary text
It is permissible for the person in i'tikaf to ascend the roof of the mosque, as it is considered part of the mosque, evidenced by the ruling that a person in a state of major ritual impurity (Janabah) is forbidden from remaining in the mosque structure itself. It is also permissible to spend the night there.
Supporting text
The courtyard (Rahbah) is generally not considered part of the mosque, and one in i'tikaf is forbidden from exiting to it, based on the practice of putting menstruating women in the courtyard in a tent, as they are forbidden from the mosque structure. However, if the courtyard is enclosed with a wall and door, it takes the ruling of the mosque structure.