Sitting in I'tikaaf when there is no Proper Masjid

Q: It'kaaf-15: Although there is no proper Masjid in an area, there is a place where the five daily salaahs take place in Jamaa'ah. Will the I'tikaaf be valid in this place and will this I'tikaaf be regarded as the Sunnah Mu'akkadah I'tikaaf? Will the entire community be guilty of a sin if there is none to sit in I'tikaaf?

Answer: When there is no proper Masjid in an area. I'tikaaf is to take place that the place where the five daily salaahs take place in Jamaa'ah. It is hoped that the rewards for the Sunnah Mu'akkadah I'tikaaf will be attained. When the I'tikaaf is not observed. the sin will remain. People should therefore make an effort to observe the I'tikaaf, because acceptance lies in Allaah's hands.

N.B. Although the rewards of performing salaah in Jamaa'ah will be attained by performing salaah Jamaa'ah in a place other than a Masjid, the rewards of performing salaah in a Masjid will not be attained. Every effort should therefore be made to have a Masjid built.

Fatawa Rahimiyyah vol.3