SITTING TOGETHER FOR HIS SAKE

 FAJR REMINDER: SITTING TOGETHER FOR HIS SAKE

By: Umm Affān

Shawwāl 6, 1447 (25-March-2026)

A few days ago, I mentioned a Ḥadīth in which the Prophet (ﷺ) highlighted four actions through which a servant can attain the Love of Allāh. I have already discussed the first, and today I will focus on the second: SITTING TOGETHER FOR ALLĀH’S SAKE.

Indeed, Allāh’s Love is guaranteed for those who gather solely for His Sake—not for business dealings, political discussions, social engagements, idle talk, or worldly chatter. Rather, their coming together is driven by a sincere desire to please Him. Allāh says: “There is no good in most of their secret talks save (in) him who orders Ṣadaqah (charity in Allāh’s Cause), or Ma’rūf (Islāmic Monotheism and all the good and righteous deeds which Allāh has ordained), or conciliation between mankind, and he who does this, seeking the good Pleasure of Allāh, We shall give him a great reward.” [Sūrah An-Nisā‘ (4): 114]

Sitting together for Allāh’s Sake means choosing the company of the righteous and truthful—those whose words remind you of Allāh and whose presence draws you closer to Him. It is about attending gatherings of beneficial knowledge that nurture faith and strengthen one’s connection with the Creator. Imām Mālik (Raḥimahullāh) advised:

“Do not leave your house frequently, except for something that you must do! And do not sit in a gathering in which you do not benefit some knowledge!” [Tartīb Al-Madārik 2/63]

Dear brethren, strive to accompany those who are obedient to Allāh—those who uphold His Commands, seek His Pleasure, hasten toward good deeds, and stay away from evil out of fear of Him. They are people who love the Sunnah and its followers, build friendships for Allāh’s Sake, dislike sins, and possess pure, humble hearts free from arrogance and envy.

At the same time, we must be cautious about the company we keep. Avoid gatherings of those who persist in sinful behavior such as backbiting, gossiping, and slander. It was once said to Ibn al-Mubārak (Raḥimahullāh): “When you pray, why do you not sit with us afterwards?” He replied: “I sit with the companions and the successors! I look into their books and what they left behind. What would I do with you? You backbite people!” [Siyar A‘lām an-Nubalā’ 8/398]

Furthermore, special caution should be exercised regarding sitting with people of innovation in the religion, especially when their deviations are being discussed—except if one intends to correct them. Muṣ’ab Ibn Sa‘d (Raḥimahullāh) mentioned the singular reason for this, when he said:

“Do not sit with a Maftūn (one who is trialed with deviance). For verily, he will not miss you with one of two things: Either he trials you (with his misguidance) and you follow him, or he will harm you before you depart from him.” [Al-Ibānah 2/458]

When advised to avoid the people of desires, some may take offense and see it as unfairness, but in reality, it is a matter of protecting one’s faith. Abū Qilābah (Raḥimahullāh) said: “Do not sit with the people of desires! Indeed, there is no safety from them immersing you in their deviation or deceiving you regarding part of that which you know (as the truth).” [Al-Ibānah 371]

Likewise, one must not sit with those who mock Allāh, His Religion, His Messengers, or the believers. Allāh clearly warns: “And it has already been revealed to you in the Book (this Qur'ān) that when you hear the Verses of Allāh being denied and mocked at, then sit not with them, until they engage in a talk other than that; (but if you stayed with them) certainly, in that case, you would be like them. Surely, Allāh will collect the hypocrites and disbelievers all together in Hell.” [Sūrah An-Nisā‘ (4): 140]

Reflect on how easily some Muslims today feel comfortable sitting among those who ridicule Islām and its teachings. This is a serious matter, and it carries grave consequences. Al-Fuḍayl Ibn ʻIyāḍ (Raḥimahullāh) warned: “...And beware of sitting with one who will corrupt your heart! And do not sit with a companion of desires, for verily I fear upon you the Anger of Allāh!” [Al-Ibānah 2/463]

So, pause and reflect: who are your companions? Whose words do you listen to? These choices shape your heart and your faith, so choose wisely and make changes where necessary.

I beseech Allāh to grant us the company of the righteous and to make our gatherings purely for His Sake. Aameen.