Is it permissible for one who is in i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) in a mosque other than a congregational mosque to leave for the Friday prayer?

Question : This questioner says: If a Muslim is in i'tikaf in a mosque other than a congregational mosque, is he required to pray in the nearest congregational mosque when he goes out for the Friday prayer, or is he given a choice?

Answer : Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and I send prayers and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and his Companions, and upon those who follow them in excellence until the Day of Judgment. It is better for the one in i'tikaf not to perform i'tikaf except in a congregational mosque so that he does not need to go out for the Friday prayer. However, if he performs i'tikaf in a mosque other than a congregational mosque, whether because it is close to his home or for another reason, there is no blame on him for going out to the Friday prayer early. But when he has prayed, he returns to the mosque in which he was performing i'tikaf. He is not required to choose the nearest congregational mosque to him. He chooses what is better, which is the one with the largest gathering. If he goes to a mosque because it has a larger gathering and a more beneficial sermon.