Etiquette in Social Gatherings

So when you sit, do not separate two people. The Prophet, peace and blessings

be upon him, said, "It is not lawful for a man to separate two people

unless they permit it." Do not sit in someone's place when they leave for a need.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "If one of you gets up from his seat and then returns

to it, he has more right to it." When you sit, leave

space for the person beside you, for personal space

is an inviolable sanctuary for its owner, who does not like it violated. Al-Zuhri, may Allah have mercy

on him, said: It has been the established practice, meaning the commendable custom, for

two men to sit in summer with an arm’s length between them, and

Ata', may Allah have mercy on him, considered it part of chivalry. So if the gathering

is crowded, make room for whoever enters, even if you press close

to the person beside you. The Almighty said: "O you who believe,

when you are told, 'Make room in gatherings,' then make room,

and Allah will make room for you." Al-Sa'di, may Allah have mercy on him, said: This is etiquette

from Allah for His servants when they gather in one of their gatherings,

and one of them, or someone arriving, needs room

in the gathering. It is proper for them to make room for him,

and recompense is of the same kind as the deed. Whoever makes room for his brother,

Allah will make room for him, and whoever gives his brother more space,

Allah will give him more space.