—gather deliberately in great numbers.”

Ishāq ibn Rāhwayh voiced the same opinion. He explained, “What is meant by ‘that they not be many’ is that they must not turn it into an established custom once their numbers grow.” Such were Ishāq’s very words.

Al-Marwazī said, “I asked Abū ʿAbd Allāh about a group who spend the night together while a reciter chants and they make supplication until daybreak.” He replied, “I hope there is no harm in that.”

Abū al-Sarī al-Harbī reports that Abū ʿAbd Allāh remarked, “What could be finer than for people to gather, perform prayers, and remember the favors God has bestowed on them, just as the Helpers once did?”

This alludes to the narration transmitted by Aḥmad: Ismāʿīl related to us—Ayūb informed us—from Muḥammad ibn Sīrīn, who said:

“I was told that, before the Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him, reached Madinah, the Anṣār said, ‘Why do we not set aside a day on which we can assemble and recall the blessing God has granted us?’ They suggested Saturday, then said, ‘We do not wish to share the Jews’ day.’ They suggested Sunday, then said, ‘We do not wish to share the Christians’ day.’ They said, ‘Then let it be the Day of ʿArūbah,’—for they used to call Friday the Day of ʿArūbah. So they met in the house of Abū Umāmah Asʿad ibn Zurārah, and a sheep was slaughtered for them…"