What is the ruling on using facilities near the mosque versus returning home for purification ('Istinja)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of I'tikaf
Primary text
If there is a nearby water facility ('siqayah') closer to the mosque than one's home where one can perform purification without social reservation or perceived deficiency, one must use that facility and is not permitted to go home. If the nearby facility causes undue hardship, social awkwardness, or prevents proper cleansing, one may go to their home. Similarly, if one has two homes, one closer, one must use the closer one for ablution if there is no harm in doing so.
Supporting text
If a friend offers the use of their nearby home for purification, the person in i'tikaf is not obliged to accept due to the hardship of violating social custom and reservation.