What is the ruling on using facilities near the mosque versus returning home for purification ('Istinja)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of I'tikaf

Book 10 · Issue 11 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

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.