Is the intention of i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) prescribed for one who enters the mosque?

Question:
If a person enters the mosque ten or fifteen minutes before the adhan (the call to prayer), is it permissible for him to intend i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque)?

Answer:
If he intends it, there is nothing wrong with it. He is sitting in worship, whether he intends i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) or not; he is rewarded for his sitting and waiting. He is in a state of prayer as long as he is waiting for the prayer, and the angels are praying for him and seeking forgiveness for him. If he intends i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque), there is nothing wrong with it.