I’Tikaaf And Finaa E Masjid

(1) It is stated in Nihaaya with reference from Fathul Qadeer, Vol 2. p. 493:

The literal meaning of I’tekaaf is to stay or remain in a particular area while the Shara’i implication is to stay or remain in isolation in a Masjid, (or a designated area of one’s home (recommended for women) with the intention and for the sole purpose of worship of Allah Almighty. Bahaar e Shariat states: “Staying or remaining (in isolation) in a Masjid with intention for the sake of Allah Almighty is I’tekaaf.” (Bahaar e Shariat, Part 5, Pg.147 - Qadri Kitaab Ghar Bareilly Shareef)

Answer: (2) Finaa e Masjid is that area of the Masjid which is an outer area for necessities, such as the place where one removes and stores ones shoes,

the ablution and bathing facilities etc. that is adjacent or attached to the Masjid. Raddul Muhtaar describes Finaa e Masjid as:

(Raddul Muhtaar volume 1 page number 442) Huzoor Ala-Hazrat Alaihir Rahma writes in Fataawa Razviyyah Shareef: “Finaa is that which is directly connected to the Masjid.” (Fataawa Razviyyah Shareef, Volume 3, Page 579) The jurists have also termed the shops adjacent or attached to a Masjid as Finaa e Masjid. Imam Qaazi Khan (may Allah have mercy on him) writes:

(Fataawa Qaazi Khan, Volume 1, Page number 68) Imam Ahlus Sunnah, Huzoor Ala-Hazrat Alaihir Rahma has written: “The shops that are found at the entrance of a Masjid and if they are attached to the Masjid then they would be regarded as Finaa e Masjid.” (Fataawa, Razviyyah Shareef, Vol 3, Page number 579) It is apparent from all the above quotations that the ablution areas, the toilets, the bathrooms and Madrassah attached to the Masjid are all regarded as Finaa e Masjid. The ruling on Finaa e Masjid would therefore be very similar to a Masjid in regards to certain matters:

This has been mentioned in Fataawa Qaazi Khan:

(Fataawa Qaazi khan Vol.1 Page number 68) Many of the jurists have also considered the Finaa e Masjid as a part of the actual Masjid for the Mu’takif. Huzoor Sadrush-Shariah Allama Amjad Ali Azmi (may Allah have mercy on him) says: “The Finaa e Masjid is regarded as a place outside the Masjid for the adjoining needs of the Masjid. For example, a place to take off one’s shoes, or a bathroom etc. therefore, entering into these areas will not break the I’tekaaf. Finaa e Masjid will be considered in these matters in the same light as a Masjid.” (Fataawa 'Amjadiyah, Volume 1, Page 399) So when the Finaa e Masjid is considered as part of the Masjid for the Mu'takif, then going there does not mean going outside the limits of the Masjid, as it will be regarded in the ruling of Masjid proper. Should the Mu'takif enter there even if this is unnecessary then I’tekaaf will not be broken. The above passages are derived from Fataawa ‘Aleemiyah Volume 1, Chapter of I’tekaaf.