Is it permissible for the one in i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) to leave the mosque?
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
Question:
The questioner asks: Is it valid for the one in i'tikaf to leave for rest, for example, to drink tea, or to sit idle for an hour or more?
Answer:
No, it is not permissible for the one in i'tikaf to leave except for a need that is essential for him, such as relieving himself of urine or feces, or performing wudu' (the ablution for prayer). As for leaving for rest or drinking tea, no, that is not permissible; that is not permissible, and it diminishes his i'tikaf. He should drink his tea in his place of i'tikaf; he can have tea brought to him and drink it. If it is at night, he can drink until he is satisfied with the tea; he has nothing to fear, but he must do so in his place of i'tikaf. Yes.
The questioner asks: Is it valid for the one in i'tikaf to leave for rest, for example, to drink tea, or to sit idle for an hour or more?
Answer:
No, it is not permissible for the one in i'tikaf to leave except for a need that is essential for him, such as relieving himself of urine or feces, or performing wudu' (the ablution for prayer). As for leaving for rest or drinking tea, no, that is not permissible; that is not permissible, and it diminishes his i'tikaf. He should drink his tea in his place of i'tikaf; he can have tea brought to him and drink it. If it is at night, he can drink until he is satisfied with the tea; he has nothing to fear, but he must do so in his place of i'tikaf. Yes.
Source
قناة «العلامة الدكتور صالح الفوزان»، هل يجوز للمعتكف الخروج من المسجد؟ — youtube.com
The Arabic text is a machine transcription of the audio recording.