Is it better to perform i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) in the last ten days of Ramadan, or to serve those who are performing i'tikaf?

Question:
The Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, is asked: Is it better in the last ten days of Ramadan to perform i'tikaf, or to serve the people performing i'tikaf who need his service?

Answer:
He can combine the two: he performs i'tikaf and serves them when it is time to serve. He combines the two. It is necessary to point out that what is now called "collective i'tikaf" has occurred, where they gather in one mosque, sleep, and chat, and the time passes in laughter and conversation, and they say this is i'tikaf. The one performing i'tikaf isolates himself; he isolates himself with his Lord. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would isolate himself; they would make for him a small tent in the mosque, or a mat, and he would isolate himself. The one performing i'tikaf separates himself; he does not gather with others. He devotes himself to the worship of Allah, the Exalted and Majestic. Yes.