Where must a woman in I'tikaf who begins menstruating go during her period?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of I'tikaf
Primary text
There is no dispute that she must exit the mosque, as menstruation prevents remaining in the mosque, being an impurity more severe than Janabah. The Prophet (PBUH) stated, 'I do not permit a menstruating woman or someone in a state of major impurity to enter the mosque.' If the mosque lacks an outer courtyard (rahbah), she returns to her house, and upon purification, she returns to complete her I'tikaf and make up the missed days without expiation. This is analogous to exiting for Friday prayer or other necessities.
Supporting text
If the mosque has an outer courtyard where she can set up her tent during her period, Al-Kharqi and Abu Qilabah hold she should set up her tent there for the duration of her menses. Al-Nukha'i said she should set up in her house and then make up the days, stating that entering a house or roof requires restarting the I'tikaf. Al-Zuhri, Malik, Al-Shafi'i, and others state she should return to her home, as the obligation was only to exit the mosque, not to remain specifically in the courtyard, distinguishing it from one exiting for Iddah or fear of sedition. The apparent ruling is that staying in the courtyard is recommended but not obligatory. If she returns to her house or elsewhere, there is no penalty, as her exit was permitted by law.