Ruling on the one in i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) leaving his place of retreat to perform 'Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage)

Question: A man is in i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) and wants to perform 'Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage) for his father. What is the ruling on that?

Answer: If the i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) was a vow (nadhr) with a specified duration, he must complete it, because fulfilling a vow of obedience is obligatory. If it was voluntary, then if he wishes, he completes it, and if he wishes, he breaks it and performs the 'Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage).