If one performs i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) for just one night of the ten nights, is this i'tikaf prescribed and permissible, or is it merely permissible?

Question : All right, Shaykh, if a person performs i'tikaf for just one night of the ten nights, is this i'tikaf prescribed and permissible, or is it merely permissible?

Answer : By Allah, I am in doubt about whether a person who limits himself to part of the ten nights is credited with the reward, or whether this i'tikaf is prescribed or not. Because the i'tikaf that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) performed and established as a precedent for the community was to perform i'tikaf for all ten nights in order to seek out the Night of Decree.