of the circle, because by inserting yourself there you cut them off from the person they are attending to. In most cases they do not like anyone to occupy that central spot and thus place himself ahead of them; doing so amounts to an encroachment upon them and upon their rights—unless they expressly give you permission. If, for instance, you happen to be standing, space is tight, and they say, “Please, sit here,” then there is no harm. Without such permission, however, Hudhayfah ibn al-Yamān related that the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said, “Allah has cursed the one who sits in the middle of the circle.”

Another point of etiquette: when a person sits in a gathering and a great deal of idle talk ensues, he can expiate that by saying before he rises, “Subḥānaka allāhumma wa biḥamdik, ash-hadu an lā ilāha illā Ant, astaghfiruka wa atūbu ilayk (Glory and praise be to You, O Allah; I bear witness that there is no god but You; I seek Your forgiveness and repent to You).” Uttering these words erases whatever idle speech occurred. Accordingly, it is recommended to conclude any meeting that has been filled with chatter with this supplication: “Subḥānaka allāhumma wa biḥamdik, ash-hadu an lā ilāha illā Ant, astaghfiruka wa atūbu ilayk.”

It is also fitting that gatherings be spacious, for the breadth of a meeting place is one of its virtues. The Prophet ﷺ said, “The best assemblies are the roomiest.” When a space is wide it can accommodate many people and brings ease and openness to the heart. Of course, this depends on one’s circumstances—some homes are simply small—but whenever it is possible to make more room, that is better: it allows for a larger company and is more comforting to the soul.