A mu'takif talking with someone after leaving the mosque for a need

Question

A mu'takif (a person observing i'tikaf) was going home to use the toilet, and on the way he chatted and joked with friends, either standing still or while walking. What is the ruling?

Answer

He should not engage in idle joking and laughter anywhere. Whatever needs to be said he may say while walking; outside the mosque he should not stop to talk.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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