Home › Islamic Manners › Sitting Between Two Persons
If you enter a room do not sit between two persons. Instead, sit on their left or right side. Abu Dawood reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: 'No one is to sit between two people without their permission.'
Sometimes two persons will be kind enough to favour you by making room for you to sit between them. Acknowledge this kind gesture by accepting their offer. Do not sit crossed-legged to crowd them out. A sage said: 'Two persons are considered immoderate: a person to whom you give advice and he arrogantly holds it in contempt against you, and a person who is favoured with a seat in a room and he sits crossed-legged.'
If you are seated between two people, do not eavesdrop and listen to what they say, lest their conversation be a confidential or private matter. Eavesdropping is a bad habit and a sin. Al-Bukhari reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: 'Whoever listens to people's conversation against their wishes, will be punished by liquid lead being poured down their ears on the day of Judgment.'
You should seek to benefit from the company and wisdom of the elders who are described as ' a fruit at the end of the season.' I would add, 'a sun wearing the veil' since it will leave us and disappear at night. Be keen to attend the gatherings of the elders whether scholars, pious persons, nobles, or relatives. Soon you may lament their departure and your loss.
It is an inappropriate Muslim manner to whisper to someone sitting next to you if you are in a group of three people. The third person will feel deserted and isolated and will think the worst of thoughts. The Messenger (PBUH) hated this. Imam Malik and Abu Dawood reported that he said: 'No two shall exchange whispers in the presence of a third person.' That the Prophet used 'No two...' in an assertive negative form, indicates that such a mistake is not only inappropriate but an unimaginable and instinctively despicable. ‘Abdullah Bin Omar was asked, 'What if they were four?' 'Then it does not matter,' he answered, meaning it is not irritating then to whisper or to mutter. If a friend entrusted you with a secret, do not betray him or her. Do not tell it even to your best friend or closest relative.
Importance Of Appearance
Distinct Muslim Personality
Cleanliness And Washing
Arriving From A Journey
Dress Properly With Family And Friends
Entering Or Leaving A House
How-to-enter
Entering While Others Are Asleep
Greeting
Announcing Your Presence
Seeking Permission To Enter
Knocking And Ringing
Answering 'Who Is It?'
The Manners Of Visiting
Keeping Appointments, Delays And Cancellation
Declining A Visit
Control Your Eyes
Removing Your Shoes
Choosing A Seat
A Visitor Is Not An Inspector
Timing Your Visit
Greeting
Sitting Between Two Persons
The Host's Duties And The Guests' Rights
Stay In Touch
A Brief Advice To My Sisters
The Manners Of Conversation
Selecting Suitable Topics
Talk In A Suitable Tone
The Art Of Listening
Discussions And Debates
Swearing By Allah
Answering A Question
Social Manners
Respect And Favour The Elderly
The Elderly Are To Lead Prayers
Walking With The Elderly
The Elderly Are To Be Served First
Manners With Parents
Tell Your Family Your Whereabouts
Respect The Poor
Dealing With Non-muslims
Manners Of Eating
The Importance Of Eating Manners
Manners Of Eating
Manners Of Drinking
Avoid Gluttony
Gold And Silver Cutlery
Weddings
Weddings Are Part Of The Prophet's Tradition
The Manners Of Attending Weddings
Visiting The Sick
Visiting A Patient
Praying For The Sick
The Length Of The Visit
The Manners Of Visiting A Patient
How The Ill Express Their Complaints
Condolence
Breaking Unpleasant News
Expressing Condolences Is A Courtesy And A Duty
Expressing Condolences And Sympathy
Sending Flowers And Reading Quran During Funerals
A Final Word