Is i'tikaf in a mosque valid if the person is exempt from Jumu'ah prayer?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of I'tikaf

Book 10 · Issue 4 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If a man is exempt from Jumu'ah prayer, such as the sick or those with legitimate excuses, his i'tikaf is permissible in any mosque, even those where Jumu'ah is not held, because the obligation of Jumu'ah does not apply to him, thus resembling the status of a woman.

Supporting text

An alternative view suggests that even if Jumu'ah is waived for him, it is not permissible if he undertakes i'tikaf, as he is generally one of the people obligated to attend Jumu'ah, and one who voluntarily takes on an obligation must adhere to its prerequisites, similar to one who voluntarily fasts.