Avoid sitting on the paths. They (his Companions) said: Allah's Messenger, there is no other help to it (but to sit there as we) hold our meetings and discuss matters there. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: If you have to sit at all, then fulfil the rights, of the path. They said: What are their rights? Thereupon he said: Keeping the eye downward (so that you may not stare at the women), refraining from doing some harm to the other and exchanging mutual greetings (saying as-Salamu 'Alaikum to one another) and commanding the good and forbidding the evil.
Narrated by Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri reported Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) as saying:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) addresses the issue of sitting in public pathways, emphasizing the importance of respecting communal spaces. His companions express the necessity of gathering in such places for discussions. The Prophet (ﷺ) acknowledges this but insists that if they must sit there, they should fulfill the rights of the path, which include lowering the gaze, avoiding harm, greeting others, and promoting good while discouraging wrongdoing.
Modern Application
In today's society, this principle encourages us to be mindful of our surroundings and the people around us. Whether in public parks or busy streets, we should practice respect by keeping our conversations private, being considerate of others' space, and engaging in positive interactions.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Social Etiquette and Respectful Communication because it highlights the importance of maintaining respect and consideration in public spaces while interacting with others.
O you who have believed, when you converse privately, do not converse about sin and aggression and disobedience to the Messenger but converse about righteousness and piety. And fear Allah, to whom you will be gathered.
O you who have believed, do not enter the houses of the Prophet except when you are permitted for a meal, without awaiting its readiness. But when you are invited, then enter; and when you have eaten, disperse without seeking to remain for conversation. Indeed, that [behavior] was troubling the Prophet, and he is shy of [dismissing] you. But Allah is not shy of the truth. And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts. And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever. Indeed, that would be in the sight of Allah an enormity.
The believers are only those who believe in Allah and His Messenger and, when they are [meeting] with him for a matter of common interest, do not depart until they have asked his permission. Indeed, those who ask your permission, [O Muhammad] - those are the ones who believe in Allah and His Messenger. So when they ask your permission for something of their affairs, then give permission to whom you will among them and ask forgiveness for them of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
Indeed, you approach men and obstruct the road and commit in your meetings [every] evil." And the answer of his people was not but they said, "Bring us the punishment of Allah, if you should be of the truthful."
No good is there in much of their private conversation, except for those who enjoin charity or that which is right or conciliation between people. And whoever does that seeking means to the approval of Allah - then We are going to give him a great reward.
This hadith is #5419 from Sahih Muslim, in the Book of The Book of Clothes and Adornment. It is graded Sahih and narrated by Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri reported Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) as saying:.