[3] Private Gatherings and Conversations

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy on him,  stated:

Make humility the sign by which you are recognised when you sit with the people, fear of Allah should be your protection, and providing guidance to Allah’s servants should be a habit. Be eager to (make) every meeting in which you sit one of goodness–either research into areas of knowledge or religious matters; either directing (others) to a general or specific beneficial affair, mentioning Allah’s blessings or mentioning the superior status of praiseworthy manners and good etiquettes, or warning against that which is detrimental to the well-being of one’s religious or worldly (affairs).

Behave well with the young, the elderly, and your peers. Respect the person who deserves to be acknowledged and respected and treat each of them in the manner they deserve.

Even if your speech is about worldly (affairs), use acceptable and good language to put your congregation at ease.

Through the meetings of the people, the sensible and determined person accomplishes abundant goodness, and he becomes more beloved to them. This is because he approaches the people with what they approve and statements they desire (i.e. good), and the cornerstone for this is success in seizing control of all affairs presented before them.

And these matters become more emphasised on a journey because sitting together is prolonged during a journey and the travellers need someone who revives their hearts with good statements, news of events, and jokes if all of that is true and not too much, and to assist them with the essential affairs of travel. And Allah is the One Who bestows success.

An Excerpt from Nur Al-Basaa’ir Wa Al-baab Fee Ahkaam al-Ibaadaat Wa Al-Mu‘aamalaat Wa Al-Huquq Wa Al-Aadaab. pages 64-65