What is the ruling on the one in i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) going out to eat and drink?

The questioner : The questioner says: We are a group of young men who are staying in a rented apartment, about one hundred and twenty committed young men. We are a group of young men

The Shaykh : Do you see Sibawayhi? Is he present?

The questioner : We go there to eat and drink twice a day. Every day, a group of the young men serves everyone; they leave the mosque early to prepare food for the group. Is this permissible?

The Shaykh : Is the question clear? Good. We say this is permissible as long as there is no one to serve them in the house. It is permissible for a group of them to go out, but only to the extent of necessity. If three are enough to cook, four do not go out. If four are enough, five do not go out. The important thing is that it is permissible for a number of them to go out that is sufficient to prepare their food, because this is a necessity. Yes. My brothers, the gentlemen. Whether it is near or far, yes.