What is the authenticity of the hadith that states there is no i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) except in three mosques?

The questioner : Yes, my lord, there is a hadith from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that there is no i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) except in the three mosques.

The Shaykh: Yes.

The questioner : There is.

The Shaykh : There is.

The questioner : It is authentic, meaning this is the case.

The Shaykh: Correct.

The questioner : So its meaning is that there is no i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) except in the three mosques; it is not permissible in the other mosques.

The Shaykh : That is its meaning, yes.

The questioner : Yes.

The Shaykh : That is its meaning.

The questioner : In which book, my lord?

The Shaykh : In the book Qiyam al-Layl (Standing in Night Prayer) by Al-Albani.

The questioner : Ah, very well. May Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh : And you, and peace be upon you.

The questioner : And may Allah have mercy on you.

The Shaykh : You, O Amr, you said you have questions. Why have you forbidden it to us and kept it away from us? Bring it so we can see what the first question is.