Does leaving for an unnecessary matter invalidate the i'tikaf?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of I'tikaf
Primary text
If one leaves for a matter that is not absolutely necessary, the i'tikaf is invalidated, even if the departure is brief. This is the view of Abu Hanifah, Malik, and Al-Shafi'i.
Supporting text
Abu Yusuf and Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan hold that it is not invalidated unless the departure exceeds half a day, viewing minor absences as pardoned, evidenced by the Prophet's (PBUH) escorting his wife Safiyyah at night. Their argument is countered by asserting that the Prophet's (PBUH) action might have been due to necessity or the voluntary nature of his i'tikaf.