Is visiting the sick or attending a funeral permissible during voluntary i'tikaf without prior stipulation?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of I'tikaf
Primary text
There is disagreement on whether one can visit the sick or attend a funeral without prior stipulation during i'tikaf. One narration from Ahmad states it is not permissible, aligning with the view of 'Ata', 'Urwah, Mujahid, Al-Zuhri, Malik, Al-Shafi'i, and the Ashab al-Ra'y. This is based on the Hadith that the Sunnah for one in i'tikaf is not to visit the sick, attend a funeral, touch or have intimacy with a woman, or leave except for absolute necessity.
Supporting text
Another narration from Ahmad permits visiting the sick and attending funerals, returning to the mosque afterward, following the practice attributed to Ali. If attending the funeral prayer becomes obligatory (e.g., the deceased has no one else), leaving for it is permissible, as it supersedes the i'tikaf, similar to Jumu'ah prayer. If the i'tikaf is voluntary, leaving for such acts is permitted, though remaining in i'tikaf is preferred.