What are the boundaries of a mosque in which iktikaf is valid, and what is the ruling on trading, clapping and playing musical instruments inside a mosque?

Short answer

Iktikaf is valid in the roofed area within the mosque walls, classified as Ar-Rahbah.

Sarawak7 October 2023Opinion (irsyad)

A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.

Authority: Sarawak State Mufti Department
Date: 7 October 2023
Status: Opinion (irsyad)
Series: Irsyad (Koleksi Kemusykilan Agama)
Topic: Fasting

No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.

Summary

Iktikaf is valid in the roofed area within the mosque walls, classified as Ar-Rahbah. Trading is in principle prohibited throughout the mosque, but spaces built separately from the main prayer hall, such as car parks and areas built for other purposes, are permitted, provided trading etiquette is observed and prayer times are respected. Clapping inside the mosque is considered unsuitable and is advised against, while the Sarawak Islamic Council decided that no musical instruments are to be played in mosques and surau, although qasidah praising the Prophet, marhaban and zikir are permitted.

Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.

Melihat kepada persoalan yang diajukan, dapat dinyatakan bahawa had kawasan yang sah untuk iktikaf adalah kawasan berbumbung dan dalam dinding masjid yang dikategorikan sebagai Ar-Rahbah tersebut.

Excerpt from the original fatwa · Sarawak

Read the full fatwa on the Sarawak website (new tab)

How to cite

Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.

Sarawak State Mufti Department. “Sempadan kawasan masjid untuk iktikaf”, 7 October 2023. https://muftinegeri.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/irsyad_list/#2023-10-07-sempadan-kawasan-masjid-untuk-iktikaf. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/mosque-boundaries-for-iktikaf/