Moreover, the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—instructed that a gathering should conclude with the remembrance of Allah and a plea for His forgiveness, so that this may serve as expiation for whatever a person did during it. Al-Tirmidhī and Abū Dāwūd narrate from Abū Hurayrah—may Allah be pleased with him—that the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said: “Whoever sits in a gathering in which he engages in much idle chatter and, before rising from that gathering, says, ‘Glory be to You, O Allah, our Lord, and praise be to You. I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except You. I seek Your forgiveness and repent to You,’ will be forgiven for whatever occurred in that gathering.” 1.

Abū Dāwūd narrated from Abū Barzah al-Aslamī—may Allah be pleased with him—who said: In the latter part of his life, whenever the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—wished to rise from a gathering, he would say: “Glory and praise be to You, O Allah. I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except You. I seek Your forgiveness and repent to You.” 2.

Al-Nasā’ī narrated from Aisha—may Allah be pleased with her: “Whenever the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—sat in a gathering or performed a prayer, he would say certain words. Aisha asked him about those words, and he replied: ‘If he had spoken good words, this supplication would serve as a seal upon them until the Day of Resurrection; and if he had spoken otherwise, it would be an expiation for him: Glory and praise be to You, O Allah. I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except You. I seek Your forgiveness and repent to You.’” 3.

Despite the importance of this supplication and its immense merit, many people squander their gatherings in idle chatter, amusement, and things of no benefit, while at the same time depriving themselves of this tremendous good.