Does leaving i'tikaf intentionally for a non-necessary reason invalidate the i'tikaf?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of I'tikaf
Primary text
If one leaves for a necessary matter intentionally, the i'tikaf is invalidated, unless a stipulation allowing departure was made. The evidence is that such leaving breaks the required continuity and permanence in the mosque.
Supporting text
If one leaves forgetfully, some scholars, like Al-Qadi, rule that the i'tikaf is not invalidated, paralleling forgetting in fasting. Others, like Ibn 'Aqil, rule it is invalidated, arguing that forgetting the obligation to remain is like abandoning the intention itself.