Is i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) prescribed in months other than Ramadan?

Question:
This questioner, Abu Basim, says: Shaykh, among the good deeds in the month of Ramadan is i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque). What is the reality of i'tikaf? Is it specific to this month? And if I want to perform i'tikaf in the months after Ramadan, is that permissible for me?

Answer:
Yes, i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) does not have a specific time, but it is better in Ramadan, and this is what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to do. It is permissible to perform i'tikaf in months other than Ramadan. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also performed i'tikaf in Shawwal; when he did not perform i'tikaf in Ramadan, he performed it in Shawwal. I'tikaf is permissible or prescribed at all times, but it is better in Ramadan. Yes.