Is it valid to perform i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) on the condition of leaving to pray the tarawih (the Ramadan night prayer)?

Question : The questioner says: Honorable Shaykh, I work as a mu'adhdhin (the one who calls to prayer) in a mosque near the Haram (the sacred precinct). I intended to perform i'tikaf in this mosque on the condition of leaving to pray the tarawih in the Sacred Mosque. Does this i'tikaf fulfill the Sunnah (recommended practice)? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer : What I see is that you should perform i'tikaf in your mosque and not leave to pray the tarawih in the Haram. Pray the tarawih in your mosque and pray whatever Allah wills of the tahajjud (the late-night voluntary prayer) so that you are truly in i'tikaf. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) used to enter his place of i'tikaf and not leave it except for a human need. Yes.