Leaving the Masjid to collect one's Allowance

Q: It'kaaf-17: Working people here in England seldom sit in I?tikaaf and those who do not people who do not work' but who collect an allowance from the government every week. They need to present themselves at a government office each week to collect the allowance, which they have to sign for personally. The allowance will not be issued if they do not sign for it, can such people leave the Masjid to collect their allowances?

Answer:If they are unable to support themselves without the allowance, they may leave the Masjid for the office. but should return immediately afterwards. They should however repeat a day of I?tikaaf after Ramadhaan as a precaution. If the person can do without the allowance, he will not be allowed to leave the Masjid for collection and doing so will nullify the I'tikaaf. This will earn him the sin of nullifying the I'tikaaf. And Allaah knows best what is most correct.

Fatawa Rahimiyyah vol.3