The Ruling on I'tikaf in a Group

Question:
He asks: Is it permissible for a Muslim to dedicate his time with the intention of reforming himself and reforming his close relatives? Does a Muslim dedicate his time with the intention of reforming himself and his close relatives, and is this done by leaving the environment of this world and performing i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) in the mosque with a group of people, as a recommended practice (sunnah) that has been reported?

Answer:
I'tikaf is not performed with a group of people. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to perform i'tikaf alone, and the Salaf (the earliest generations) did not perform i'tikaf in groups; rather, a Muslim performs i'tikaf alone, isolating himself to devote himself to the remembrance of Allah and His obedience. However, if performing i'tikaf causes you to miss seeking knowledge and seeking provision for yourself and your children, then it is better that you do not perform i'tikaf, and that you go out to seek knowledge and go out to seek provision for yourself and your children. This is what is obligatory for you. Yes.