THE VENUE FOR I'TIKAF

(1) For men, I'tikaf is valid in only a Musjid in which Athan and Iqamah are proclaimed for the five daily Salat. In otherwords it has to be a Musjid in which the five daily Salat are performed with Jama't.
(2) Females can observe I'tikaf in a place in their homes, set aside for Salat or specially cordoned off for the purpose of I'tikaf.
(3) It is not permissible for women to come to the Musjid to observe I'tikaf or to perform Salat or to listen to lectures.

(4) The Musjid here refers to the Musjid proper and not to the annexures or adjacent buildings erected for the needs of the Musjid or Musallees.
The Musjid proper is that section of the building which was intended by the Waqif to be the Musjid.
(Waqif is the person or organization who erected the Musjid, and demarcated the Musjid boundaries).
(5) Most Musajid have a section at the back, which in most cases is under the same roof, but is excluded from the Musjid proper. Janazah Salat and sometimes a second Jama't by late-comers are performed in this section. Since this section of the building is excluded from the Musjid proper, it is not permissible for the Mu'takif to venture unnecessarily into that area. If he does, his I'tikaf will be rendered void.
(6) The Mu'takif should ascertain from the Mutawallis (trustees) the exact boundaries of the Musjid.
(7) The wudhu Khanah, courtyard, store-rooms and any other adjacent buildings are all excluded from the Musjid.
(8) It is essential that the Mu'takif remains inside the Musjid, or inside the special place set aside at home (for women) throughout the duration of the I'tikaf. Leaving the place of I'tikaf unnecessarily for even a minute will render the I'tikaf null and void.