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Author: Salafi Dawah Manchester

Aspects of Insincerity and Some of their Effects upon One’s Servitude

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Methodology - 'Manhaj'.

Shaykh Sālih bin Fawzān Al Fawzān – Hafidhahullah – stated in his explanation of the Treatise of Servitude:

[1] Man, if he is amazed by a woman and he is infatuated with her, he becomes a slave to her. He is overpowered by her speech, and he executes her demands, he becomes a servant to his Hawa (vain lusts and desires). For this reason The Lofty and Exalted said,

“Have you seen he who takes his Hawa as a god” [Surah Al-Jāthiyāh: 23].

Whatever his Hawa dictates he does even if it is impermissible, this is the one that takes his desires as an object of worship.

[2] He is attracted by love for praise and position, so he seeks them out at any cost, even if it is at the expense of his religion.

[3] From the dangers of yearning for honour and praise, is that a person is amazed by himself if somebody praises him with that which is false and he is angry with the one who disparages him, even if it is with the truth. This is because he wants honour and position. He likes to be praised falsely while disparagement grieves him, even if it is true.

This is evidence that he wants honour and position at any cost!

As for the one who does not seek honour and position he dislikes praise, because of the prophet’s -SalAllahu alayhi wa’sallam – statement, “If you see those who praise people (to their faces), then throw dirt in their faces”. So he does not accept praise to his face; because praise makes him oppressive and it causes him to be deluded by himself.

As for the one who wants the truth, he is pleased with advice and he is happy with his mistakes being pointed out (to him). For this reason Umar bin al-Khatāb said, “May Allah have mercy upon the person who gifts Umar his mistakes”. So he likened one who clarifies to him his errors to a person who gives him a gift…

(Shaykh Sālih bin Fawzān Al-Fawzān then mentions):

 “And who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, without guidance from Allah?” [Al-Qasas: 50].

Whosoever is not a servant to Allah, becomes a servant and slave of his Hawa (lusts and desires), shaytān and his doubts.

Mankind will either be a servant to Allah or a servant to other than Allah. It is not possible for man to be other than a servant (i.e. his nature has been created this way).

So whoever abandons servitude to Allah, Allah afflicts him with bondage to other than Him.

And we seek refuge in Allah!

For this reason when the polytheists left off the worship of Allah, Allah put them to trial with the worship of idols, trees, stones and inanimate objects.

Ibn Al-Qayyim said,

“They (the polytheists) fled from Ar-Riqq of Him whom they were created for (i.e. Allah created them to worship Him),

 So they were put in Ar-Riqq to themselves and the Shaytān (their enemy).”

 Ar-Riqq is Servitude. You were created to be a servant of Allah, if you leave off this servitude you will become one who worships other than Allah. No doubt you are a servant (of something) no matter how free you say you are. You are a servant, subjugated to Allah or to other than Him.

Servitude of Allah is nobility for mankind and it is real liberation! As for mankind’s servitude of other than Allah then it is humiliating and degrading (carries no respect). Servitude to other than Allah does not free the slave from the entrapment of desires or lusts. This form of servitude is worship of other than Allah (i.e. Shirk – polytheism).

Nothing frees from the humiliating bonds of servitude to the creation except being a servant to Allah (a servant of The Creator and One truly worthy of being worshipped) – Sub’hanahu wa ta’ālah -.

The heart will not be sincere unless it accepts Allah and rejects or is distant from other than him:

The heart that is upright (upon true monotheism) is attached to Allah, and it opposes anything (in worship) other than him.

The Most high said: “Verily, Ibrahim (Abraham) was an Ummah (a leader having all the good righteous qualities), obedient to Allah, Hanīfah (i.e. to worship none but Allah)” [al-Nahl :120].

So Ibrahīm – Alayhis salām – was completely attached to Allah with his heart, actions and direction and he opposed anything other than Allah (in his worship]). And the true monotheistic religion of Ibrahīm – Alayhis Salām – is: the acceptance of Allah and opposition of that which is worshipped besides Him.

If one is not attached to Allah, opposed to other than Him, he will certainly fall into Shirk (polytheism), because he is (in reality) a servant without a doubt. So he will either be a servant of Allah or he will be in bondage to other than Him.

And there is not a human-being except he is a servant, in fact, everything that is in the sky and on earth is in bondage (to Allah).

[Sharh Ar-Risālatu Ubūdiyah, pages 252-254]

Some Admonitions of Abdullaah Bin Mas’ood [radiyallaahu-anhu]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

He [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: “Indeed, you see an unbeliever with the healthiest body amongst the people and with the sickest heart; and you will come across a believer with the most upright of hearts and the unhealthiest body [i.e. physical illness]. I swear by Allaah, if your hearts were sick and your bodies healthy, you will be more insignificant to Allaah than dung beetles”.

He [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: “’Search for your heart in three situations [i.e. how you respond]: When the recitation of the Qur’aan is heard, in the gatherings where Allaah is remembered and in times of seclusion. If you do not find your heart in these situations, then ask Allaah to grant you a heart, for indeed you do not have a heart’’.

He [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: “Sins take control over the heart”.

He [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: “Indeed, the people make their speech very good and appropriate; the one whose speech is in conformity with his actions is that one who has achieved his portion of [goodness]. And the one whose speech is in opposition to his actions, then he is that one who has rebuked himself’’.

He [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: “There is not anything on the face of the earth more needed than a prolonged imprisonment of the tongue [i.e. speak good or remain silent]’’.

[Source: Al-Fawaa-id by Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah]. page 213-221]

One of The Perils of Worship Based On Ignorance!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Betower of Mercy.

Ibnul Qaasim [rahimahullaah] said: I heard Maalik [i.e. Imaam Maalik (rahimahullaah)] saying: “Indeed a people sought after the path of worship and abandoned knowledge, so they rebelled against the Ummah of Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] with their swords [i.e. khawaarij]. And had they sought the means to [acquiring] knowledge [first], they would have been prevented from that [rebellion]”. [Miftaah Daarus Sa’aadah 1/392]

Four Types of Diseases: [Shub’hah, Shak, Shahwa and Ghay]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam.

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

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said: There are two types of diseases: Disease of the heart and disease of the body, and both have been mentioned in the Qur’aan. The disease of the heart are two types: [a] The disease of Shubhah [i.e. an affair of falsehood that is made to resemble truth] and Shak [i.e. doubt]. [b] The disease of Shahwah [i.e. evil or vain desires or lewd conduct] and Ghay [i.e. deviation from the right path].  Both of them have been mentioned in the Qur’aan. Allaah [The Most High] stated regarding the disease of Shubhah: [   فِي قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ فَزَادَهُمُ اللَّهُ مَرَضًا -In their hearts is a disease [of doubt and hypocrisy] and Allah has increased their disease. [2:10]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَلِيَقُولَ الَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ وَالْكَافِرُونَ مَاذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِهَٰذَا مَثَلًا ۚ – And that those in whose hearts is a disease [of hypocrisy] and the disbelievers may say: “What Allah intends by this (curious) example?] [74:31]

And Allaah [The Most High] stated about the one who is called to judge by the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, but he refuses and turns away:

 وَإِذَا دُعُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ لِيَحْكُمَ بَيْنَهُمْ إِذَا فَرِيقٌ مِّنْهُم مُّعْرِضُونَ

وَإِن يَكُن لَّهُمُ الْحَقُّ يَأْتُوا إِلَيْهِ مُذْعِنِينَ

أَفِي قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ أَمِ ارْتَابُوا أَمْ يَخَافُونَ أَن يَحِيفَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِمْ وَرَسُولُهُ ۚ بَلْ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ

And when they are called to Allah (i.e. His Words, the Qur’an) and His Messenger to judge between them, lo! a party of them refuse (to come) and turn away. But if the right is with them, they come to him willingly with submission. Is there a disease in their hearts? Or do they doubt or fear lest Allah and His Messenger should wrong them in judgement. Nay, it is they themselves who are the Zalimun (polytheists, hypocrites and wrong-doers, etc.).[24:48-50] This is the disease of Shubhah [i.e. an affair of falsehood that is made to resemble truth] and Shak [i.e. doubt].

 As for the disease of Shahwa [evil desires], Allaah [The Most High] said: [يَا نِسَاءَ النَّبِيِّ لَسْتُنَّ كَأَحَدٍ مِّنَ النِّسَاءِ ۚ إِنِ اتَّقَيْتُنَّ فَلَا تَخْضَعْنَ بِالْقَوْلِ فَيَطْمَعَ الَّذِي فِي قَلْبِهِ مَرَضٌ – O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease [i.e. evil desire for adultery, etc.] should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner.” [Ahzaab: Ayah:32]  This is the disease of the evil desire for adultery, and Allaah knows best.

As for the diseases of the body, Allaah [The Most High] said: [لَّيۡسَ عَلَى ٱلۡأَعۡمَىٰ حَرَجٌ۬ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلۡأَعۡرَجِ حَرَجٌ۬ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلۡمَرِيضِ حَرَجٌ۬ – There is no restriction on the blind, nor any restriction on the lame, nor any restriction on the sick….. [24:61]

Allaah mentioned the diseases of the body when He [The Most High] spoke about Hajj, Fasting and Ablution due to a marvellous underlying reason – a reason that will reveal to you the Greatness of the Qur’aan and suffices the one who understands it. The principles of physical medicine are three: preservation of health, protecting [the body] from what might cause harm and removal of harmful substances [from the body]; and Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] mentioned these three principles in those three places [i.e. when He (The Most High) spoke about Hajj, Fasting and Ablution)] [Ref 1]

Imaam As-Sadi [rahimahullaah] said: Allaah (The Most High) said: [فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ مَرَضٌ -In their hearts is a disease]. [Surah Ayah: 10 Soorah Al-Baqarah]- What is intended by disease here is: The disease of doubt, the disease of Shubuhaat [i.e. affairs that resemble truth but are falsehood in reality] and the disease of hypocrisy. That is because the heart is exposed to two (types) of diseases that takes it away from well-being and uprightness- the disease of shubuhaat and the disease of lowly destructive desires. Disbelief, hypocrisy, doubts and bidah are all from the disease of Shubuhaat. Fornication, love of lewd acts, disobedience and committing them are from the disease of lowly desires. [Ref 2]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانِ مَا هُوَ شِفَآءٌ۬ وَرَحۡمَةٌ۬ لِّلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ‌ۙ – And We send down from the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism and act on it)]. [Soorah Al-Israa: Ayah 82]

Imaam Ibnul Jawzi (rahimahullaah) said: There are three statements (of the scholars) regarding the Qur’aan being a healing: [a] It is a healing for misguidance due to what it contains of guidance; [b] It is healing for illnesses due to what it contains of blessings; [c] It is healing due to its explanation and clarification of the obligatory duties and rulings of the religion. [Ref 3]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said: The Qur’aan is a healing for the hearts for the diseases of ignorance, doubt and scepticism.  Allaah (The Most High) has never revealed a cure that is neither more comprehensive and beneficial; nor greater and quicker in removing diseases than the Qur’aan.’’ [Ref 4]

Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah) said: The healing that the Qur’aan contains covers all [diseases] of the hearts, such the disease of Shubhah [(i.e. an affair that is made to resemble truth but is falsehood in reality], ignorance, corrupt views, perversion and evil aims; for indeed the Qur’aan is gathered upon ‘Al-Ilm Al-Yaqeenee [i.e. Knowledge based on Absolute Certainty’ by way of which every Shubhah and affair of ignorance is removed, and it contains an admonition and a reminder by way of which every desire that is in opposition to the command of Allaah is removed]. And it is a healing for the bodies against what is harmful to them and its illnesses. As for it being a Mercy, it is due to the Asbaab [i.e. sound means] and Wasaa-il [i.e. paths, ways] it guides to, which if the slave [i.e. person] acts upon them, he (or she) will be successful (in receiving Allaah’s) Mercy and an everlasting happiness-reward in this worldly life and everlasting reward in the Hereafter.  [Ref 5]

Imaam Shanqeeti (rahimahullaah) said: It (i.e. the Qur’aan) combines healing for the diseases of the heart, such as doubt, hypocrisy and other than that. It is a healing for the bodies when utilised for ruqya, such as what took place in the story of the man who performed ruqya with Soorah Faatihah on a man who was stung and it is an authentic and famous story…. [Ref 6]

Ref 1: Source: At-Tib An-Nabawiy of Imaam Ibnul Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah (rahimahullaah) with comments by Al-Allaamah Muhammad Haamid Al-Faqee (rahimahullaah): page: 3. Abridged and slightly paraphrased]. Your feedback is welcome to improve the content of this article BaarakAllaahu Feekum

Also read:

http://www.abukhadeejah.com/what-are-the-principles-of-medicine-with-the-scholars-of-islam/

[Ref 2: Source: Tafseer Sadi Soorah Al-Baqarah]

[Ref 3: Source: Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilm At-Tafseer of Ibnul Jawzi (rahimahullaah)—Tafseer Soorah al-Israa]

[Ref 4: Al-Jawaab Al-Kaafee page 4]

[Ref 5: Tafseer As-Sadi]

[Ref 6: Adwaa Al-Bayaan–Tafseer Soorah Al-Israa: Ayah 82]

 

Allaah Says the Truth, And He Guides to the Right Way – [By Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah)]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah (The Most High) said: [وَاللَّهُ يَقُولُ الْحَقَّ وَهُوَ يَهْدِي السَّبِيلَ  – Allaah Says the Truth, And He Guides to the Right Way (33: 4)]

This noble ayah makes it absolutely clear that Allaah speaks the truth -truthfulness and certainty in His narratives; justice and wisdom in that which He has commanded and prohibited. Everything Allaah has stated is truth, absolute credibility and beneficial for the slaves. It is a source of wellbeing in their creed and manners, and in their religious and worldly affairs. Everything Allaah has commanded is an act of righteousness, a quality of perfection, a benefit and a blessing; and everything Allaah has forbidden is evil, harmful and corruption, whether in the affairs of the worldly life or the religion. The entire Islamic legislation is an explanation of this great principle, which Allaah has mentioned in this Ayah and other than it.

Then Allaah says [وَهُوَ يَهْدِي السَّبِيلَ  – And He (Allaah), guides to the right way]; It is the path leading to the truth which Allaah has mentioned, and by way of which Allaah establishes judgements. Allaah suffices (us) and clarifies this truth for (us) through clear perceptible evidences (i.e. sound evidences that agree with the upright innate human fitrah and the uncorrupted intellect) and divine evidences, as Allaah stated in another Ayah:

[سَنُرِيهِمْ آيَاتِنَا فِي الْآفَاقِ وَفِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ  – We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their own selves, until it becomes manifest to them that (this Qur’aan) is the truth (41:53)]

[Source: Ad-Dalaa-il Al-Qur’aaniyyah Fee Annal Uloom Wal-A’maal An-Naafi-a Al-Asriyyah Daakhilatun Fid Deenil Islaamiy’ page 6′ by Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah)]

What Type of Advisers Are We When Dealing With a Person Who Does Not Broadcast His Error or Sin?!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul.

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

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said: The difference between a sincere adviser and the one who merely wants to blame others is that a sincere adviser does not declare enmity against you if you do not accept his advice, rather he says, “Perhaps Allaah will reward me whether he accept or reject my advice”, and he supplicates for you in your absence – neither mentions your faults nor rebukes you in the presence of the people. As for the one who merely desires to blame others, he is the opposite. [Ar-Rooh. P443. Slightly paraphrased]

Utilised all The Blessings to Sincerely Pursue Praiseworthy Religious And Worldly Goals! [Who Was This Noble King?!]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

إِنَّا مَكَّنَّا لَهُ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَآتَيْنَاهُ مِن كُلِّ شَيْءٍ سَبَبًا

فَأَتْبَعَ سَبَبًا

Verily, We established him (i.e. Dhul Qar’nayn) in the earth, and We gave him the means of everything. So he followed a way. [18:84-85]

Ali bin Abee Talhah reported from ibn Abbaas who said, ”[it is] knowledge.” Qataadah, Ibn Zaid, Ibn Jurayj and Dahhaak said, “[it is] knowledge which led him to what he wanted.” Ishaaq said, “[it is] knowledge that led him wherever he wanted to [reach or go].” Many of the Mufassiroon said that he [Dhul Qar’nayn] was given knowledge of everything that a person needs to aid himself.  So he followed a path through those means bestowed upon him to reach their [praiseworthy] goals. [Source:  An Excerpt from Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah..2/165]

The Extremely Difficult Circumstances That Surrounded Yusuf [alayhis Salaam] When The Wife of The King Sought to Seduce Him!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Sadi [rahimahullaah] said: Allaah has placed in man’s nature an inclination towards a woman, just like the inclination of a thirsty person towards water and that of a hungry person towards food.  And even though many people do exercise patience with regards to their [desire] for food and drink, but not with regards to their [desire] for women.  This is not blameworthy if it is in accordance with what is permissible, rather it is something praiseworthy.

Yusuf- at the time- was a young man and the sexual desire of a young man is much stronger. He was a bachelor, a slave of the king’s wife and was bought for a few dirhams.  And a slave has no control over his affairs. He was a stranger in the land and a stranger in a strange land can fulfil his [evil] desires, which he is not able to fulfil in his own land, in the presence of his family and those who know him well [i.e. because he feels ashamed]

The wife of the King was a woman of high status and beauty; so one these two [affairs] would urge a person to agree with her request. The wife of the king was accessible [i.e. she was willing to commit the evil act of zina]. She sought after Yusuf; she desired him and was infatuated with him. Yusuf was living in her house, under her authority and would have feared being harmed for refusing to obey her. Yusuf was safe from being exposed because she sought after him and locked the doors. She also appeared in her best adornment and said to Yusuf, ‘Come on O you!’ She also threatened Yusuf with imprisonment and belittlement. She sought the assistance of the rest of the women and Yusuf sought the assistance of Allaah against them. Despite all these difficult circumstances surrounding Yusuf (alayhis-salaam), he exercised patience and preferred obedience to his Lord.  He preferred the pleasure of Allaah and fear of Him.  His love of Allaah made him choose imprisonment over committing zina.  He said: [قَالَ رَبِّ السِّجْنُ أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِمَّا يَدْعُونَنِي إِلَيْهِ  ] ‘He said: ‘O my Lord! Prison is dearer to me than that to which they invite me.’ [12:33]

So What Was The End Result? Yusuf was granted honour and authority in the land.  He was mentioned with good and beautiful praise.  This was his reward in this worldly life and his reward in the hereafter is Paradise.

[Source: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Asbaab Wal A’maal Allatee Yudaa-afu Bihaa Ath-Thawaab’ by Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah) pages: 55-58]

Make Room For Others In The Gatherings And Sittings So That They Also Attain Their Goal, And Be a Person Who Benefit Others Through Excellent Manners, Humility, Knowledge etc

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمْ تَفَسَّحُوا فِي الْمَجَالِسِ فَافْسَحُوا يَفْسَحِ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۖ وَإِذَا قِيلَ انْشُزُوا فَانْشُزُوا يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ- O you who believe! When you are told to make room in the assemblies, [spread out and] make room. Allah will give you [ample] room [from His Mercy]. And when you are told to rise up, rise up. Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do. [58:11]

This is a practical code of behaviour commanded by Allaah to His believing slaves- that when they come together in one of their gatherings, some of them or some of those who have already arrived should make room [for others]; for indeed it is part of good etiquettes to make room for him [i.e. the other person] to reach his goal.  And this is not to harm the one who is [already] in the gathering in anyway; rather he enables his [Muslim] brother to reach his goal without him being harmed, and reward is given in accordance with a deed; for indeed whoever makes room, Allaah makes room for him, and whoever shows generosity to his brother, Allaah will show him generosity.

[وَإِذَا قِيلَ انْشُزُوا – And when you are told to rise up]- Meaning: To rise up and retire from your gathering for an [obligatory or important] need [i.e. prayer etc], then [فَانْشُزُوا – rise up] – Meaning: proceed towards the fulfilment of that beneficial affair, for indeed the fulfilment of the likes of these affairs is connected to knowledge and Eemaan. And Allaah [The Most High] will exalt in degree the people of knowledge and Eemaan in accordance with what He has portioned out for them from knowledge and Eemaan.

[وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِير -And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do]- Meaning: Allaah [The Most High] rewards every performer of deeds in accordance with his [or her] deeds-if they are good, there will be good recompense, and if evil deeds, there will be an evil recompense. And in this Ayah [i.e. 58:11] is [a mention] of the virtue of knowledge, whose beautification and benefit is that one disciplines [himself or herself] with its etiquettes and act in accordance with what it necessitates. [An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan) by Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah). slightly paraphrased]

Imaam Al-Bukhaari [rahimahullaah] said: “Chapter: Whoever sat at the farther end of a gathering. And whoever found a place amongst a gathering and took his seat there.”  Narrated Abu Waaqid Al-Laythi [radiyallaahu-anhu]: While Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] was sitting in the mosque with some people, three men came. Two of them came in front of Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and the third went away.  The two kept on standing before Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] for a while and then one of them found a place in the circle and sat there while the other sat behind them [the gathering], and the third went away. When Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] finished his gathering, he said, ‘’Shall I tell you about these three persons? One of them betook himself to Allaah, so Allaah took him into His Grace and Mercy and accompanied him, the second felt shy, so Allaah was shy towards him [1]; while the third turned away, so Allaah turned away from him.” [2]

Imaam Abdul-Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah] said: In this [hadeeth] there are beneficial points: [a] Sometimes he [i.e. the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)] used to have sittings-sometimes in the Masjid and sometimes in the house. [b] It is recommended for the one who enters a masjid whilst there is a gathering that he joins it. [c] In this (hadeeth is evidence about) being eager to benefit (in knowledge); so he enters if he finds a space; but if not he (stays) at the back. [d] In this (hadeeth) there is a warning against turning away from knowledge. [3]

Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah) stated:  When you sit with the people, make humility the sign by which you are recognized. Fear of Allaah should be your shield and giving advice to the servants of Allaah as your constant habit. Be eager to (make) every gathering in which you sit one of goodness- either research into affairs of knowledge or advice on religious matters; either directing (others) towards a general or a particular beneficial affair, or making a mention of the blessings of Allaah; either making a mention of 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). The least of this (i.e. your companionship and advice to those you sit with) is that the earnings from their occupations should be by way of permissible (means) and not what is forbidden.

Behave well towards the young, the old and your peers. Deal with each of them in a way they deserve and have respect for the one who deserves to be respected and honoured. Be eager to make your congregation relaxed by way of speech that is appropriate and good, even if that was in relation to the worldly (affairs).

The sensible and determined person achieves abundant goodness through the gatherings of the people and he becomes more beloved to them than all (beloved things). This is because he approaches the people with what they approve (i.e. good) and statements they desire, and the foundation in this is success in taking over control of all the affairs placed before them.

And these affairs (i.e. good advice and companionship) become more emphasized on a journey, because during a journey sitting together is prolonged and the travellers are in need of having someone who revives their hearts with good statements, the news of events and joke–if all of that is truth and not too much–and to assist them with the essential affairs of travel. And Allaah is the One Who grants all success. [Ref 4]

[1] Allaah (The Most High) was shy towards him in a way that befits Allaah’s Majesty. Imaam Muhammad ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah) said: Allaah’s shyness is not similar to the shyness of the creation. (see Tafseer Soorah Al-Baqarah Ayah 26 by Shaikh Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah); [2] [Saheeh al-Bukhaari Vol 1. Hadeeth Number 66]; [3]Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min At-Ta’liqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari Vol 1: page 34. Footnote 2; [Ref 4: Noorul Basaa’ir Wal al-baab fee ahkaam al ‘Ibaadaat Wal Mu‘aamalaat Wal Huqooq Wal Aadaab’ pages 64-65]