10 Places Where it is Not Advisable to Sit Down in Islam

Al-Islam, as a complete way of life, gives us directions with regards to our day-to-day activities and dealings. Sitting is part of our lives and as mundane as it is, Islam does not fail to guide us unto doing it correctly. These guides are essential to us, as they assist us in attaining happiness and fulfilment in this life and in the next. 

This article highlights ten (10) places where it is discouraged to sitting according to al-Islam. 

 

1. On the Grave

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "If one of you were to sit on a hot coal that burns him, that would be better for him than if he were to sit on a grave."

[Sunan Ibn Majah 6/1633]

2. Inbetween two people except by their permission

This is courtesy. You should try to avoid discomforting people. Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-'As (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that RasuluLlah (ﷺ) said: "One should not sit between two men except with their permission."

[Sunan Abi Dawud 4844]

3. In the Masjid, until you offer two units of prayer (Tahiyyatul Masjid)

This is loved (i.e. mustahabb). Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that RasuluLlah (ﷺ) said: "When one of you comes to the Masjid, then let him not sit until he has performed two Rak'ah."

[Sahih Muslim 714b]

4. Under the Sun or Inbetween Sun & Shade

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) was preaching & a man stood in the sun, so he asked him to enter the shade [Abu Dawud 3300]. Ibn Buraydah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet forbade (habitual) sitting in between sun & shade [Ibn Majah 3722].

5. By the Roadside

The Prophet (ﷺ) forbade sitting by the Roadside except for those who can fulfill the rights of the road, which are to:

• Lower one's gaze

• Refrain from harming others

• Return greetings

• Enjoin good

• Forbid evil

[Sahih al-Bukhari 6229]

6. While a Funeral Procession is Passing by

Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Whenever you see a funeral (procession), stand up (for it) & whoever follows it, then do not sit down until it is put down."

[Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1043]

7. With a Person that has communicable diseases

Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Do not put a patient with a healthy person" (as a precaution). Therefore excessive closeness to someone who has a communicable disease is discouraged.

[Sahih al-Bukhari 5771]

8. With a Manifest Transgressor (fāsiq)

This is a person who makes his wrobe of pride the rejection of Islamic injunctions. Sitting with him has to be for reminder puroses, or else stay away. Allah says "if you see those who oppose our verses, turn away from them" [Q6:68].

9. On a Table Where Alcohol is Served

Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "whoever believes in Allah and the last day should not sit on a table where alcohol is served".

[Musnad Ahmad 125]

10. Sitting with a Fool

Well... Obviously cos foolishness is communicable. You either get foolish too, or at least get rated like a fool. Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

فلا تصحب أخا الجهـ … ـل وإياك وإياه. فكم من جاهل أردى … حكيما حين آخاه.

يقاس المرء بالمرء … إذا ما المرء ماشاه.