Does itikaaf break by mistakenly stepping out of the masjid?

Question
During Ramadan I made the intention of I’tikaf of the last ten days but I mistakenly stepped out of the masjid.  I, then, returned to the masjid.  So my questions are: 1. Does the I’tikaf break by stepping out of the masjid inadvertently or out of forgetfulness?  2. If it does break, how do I make up for it?  3. Will this I’tikaf be considered Sunnah or nafl?
Answer

 بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما

I’tikaf of the last ten days of Ramadan is sunnah. If one begins  i’tikaaf and mistakenly steps out of the masjid within the ten day period (whether accidentally or due to forgetfulness), his i’tikaaf will be void. If he wishes to continue his i’tikaaf, it will count as nafl, not sunnah. It is advisable to finish off the rest of the 10 day i’tikaaf period even if it is mistakenly broken, for it is still virtuous and it is hoped that Allah will grant the full reward based on intention.

However, due to breaking the sunnah i’tikaaf, it is necessary to perform one full day of i’tikaaf (from one sunset to the next) while fasting as qadha (making up the voided i’tikaaf). This qadha can even be done during the same Ramadan.

والله اعلم

Allah Knows best.

Approved by: Mufti Husain Ahmad Madani