The Shaykh—may Allah have mercy on him—said:

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As for his question, “Is seclusion or mixing with others better for someone following the spiritual path?”—although people dispute this “question,” either in general terms or with reference to particular circumstances, the truth is that “mixing with others” is sometimes obligatory or recommended. The same person may be instructed to mix with others at one time and to remain alone at another.

The governing principle is this: if “associating with others” involves cooperation in righteousness and piety, it is enjoined; if it involves cooperation in sin and transgression, it is forbidden. Thus, joining Muslims in acts of worship—such as the five daily prayers, Friday prayer, the two Eid prayers, the eclipse prayer, the prayer for rain, and similar acts—is among the things Allah and His Messenger have commanded. The same applies to joining them in Hajj and in military expeditions against the disbelievers and the renegade Khawārij, even if those leading these activities are wicked, and even if there are wicked people among those assembled.