Can i'tikaf be observed in a mosque where congregational prayer (Jumu'ah) is not held?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of I'tikaf
Primary text
For a man, i'tikaf is only valid in a mosque where the congregational prayer (Jumu'ah) is established. This is because absence from the obligatory Jumu'ah prayer or frequent leaving for it contradicts the essence of staying and remaining in the place of worship, which is the purpose of i'tikaf. This view is supported by the verse {And do not approach them while you are observing retreat in the mosques} (Quran 2:187), which specifies mosques. If i'tikaf were valid elsewhere, the prohibition of intimacy would not be restricted to the mosques.
Supporting text
Abu Abdullah (Ahmad) holds that i'tikaf is permissible in every mosque where the congregational prayer is held, citing narrations supporting this from Hudhayfah, 'Aishah, and Al-Zuhri. A dissenting view holds that i'tikaf is only valid in the three holy mosques (Al-Haram, Al-Aqsa, and the Prophet's Mosque), or specifically the Prophet's Mosque. Malik holds that i'tikaf is valid in every mosque based on the general wording of Quran 2:187, a view held by Al-Shafi'i if the i'tikaf does not encompass a Friday prayer.