What is the ruling on intending i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) upon entering every mosque?

Question : May Allah bless you. Shaykh Muhammad, this questioner says: Some people intend i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) every time they enter the mosque. What is the ruling on this action?

Answer : The stronger position is that this action is not a sunnah (recommended practice). It is not established from the action of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) or his statement that he used to intend i'tikaf when entering the mosque, nor did he guide the community to do so. It is well known that worship is based on following the Prophet, and that nothing is prescribed in it except what Allah and His Messenger have prescribed. We do not know that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) used to intend i'tikaf when entering the mosque, nor that he guided the community to do so. The correct view is that this is not a recommended practice. Thank you, Honorable Shaykh, and may Allah bless you.