Is it correct that i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) is permissible both with fasting and without fasting?

Question : Is it correct that it is permissible to combine it with fasting or without fasting?

Answer : Yes, it is permissible, but the i'tikaf that is prescribed (mashru') for a person to perform is the i'tikaf in the last ten days, and this is not possible except with fasting. As for the fact that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) performed i'tikaf in Shawwal after he left off the i'tikaf in the last ten days, that was making up (qada') for an i'tikaf that was supposed to be performed with fasting.