Does a woman experiencing Istihada (abnormal, non-menstrual bleeding) prevent her from observing I'tikaf?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of I'tikaf

Book 10 · Issue 7 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Istihada does not prevent I'tikaf because it does not prevent prayer or circumambulation (Tawaf). Aisha reported that a wife of the Prophet (PBUH) experiencing Istihada would sometimes place a basin beneath her while praying during I'tikaf. She must take precautions, such as binding herself (tataḥaffaz) and using coverings, so as not to soil the mosque.

Supporting text

If it is impossible to keep the mosque clean from her discharge, she must exit the mosque, as this exit is an excuse to preserve the mosque's sanctity, similar to exiting to relieve oneself.