Ruling on one who intended to perform i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) but was unable to enter into it
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Q582: The questioner says: I intended to perform i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) last Ramadan, but I was unable to do so because of my concern for my mother and my family. Do I receive any reward?
A582: If you did not make a vow, and it was merely an intention, then it is not obligatory for you. It is permissible for you to change your intention, especially if it is for a valid purpose, such as working with your father or serving your mother. In that case, it is better for you than i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque); obeying your parents and being dutiful to them is better for you than i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque). However, if you made a vow, then you must fulfill the vow.
A582: If you did not make a vow, and it was merely an intention, then it is not obligatory for you. It is permissible for you to change your intention, especially if it is for a valid purpose, such as working with your father or serving your mother. In that case, it is better for you than i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque); obeying your parents and being dutiful to them is better for you than i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque). However, if you made a vow, then you must fulfill the vow.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.