Is it permissible for a woman to observe i'tikaf in her private place of prayer at home?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of I'tikaf
Primary text
A woman may observe i'tikaf in every mosque, and establishing congregational prayer there is not a condition for her, as Jumu'ah is not obligatory upon her. This is the position of Al-Shafi'i. The basis for this is the verse {And do not approach them while you are observing retreat in the mosques} (Quran 2:187), which refers to structures built for prayer. Her private prayer area is not a mosque in the literal sense as it was not built for congregational prayer.
Supporting text
Abu Hanifah and Al-Thawri hold that a woman may observe i'tikaf in the mosque of her house (the place set aside for prayer), and it is preferred for her there because her prayer there is superior. It is also argued that since the Prophet's (PBUH wives) sought permission to perform i'tikaf in the mosque, the permission implies it is a valid location for them.