_Imaam Ibn Qudaamah Al-Maqdisi -rahimahullaah-_
Said:
*THE VIRTUES AND VICES OF SECLUSION.*
Know verily that, people are of different opinions regarding seclusion and it also varies from one person to another. In shā Allāh, we will mention some of the virtues of seclusion.
*1.* It gives one opportunity to preoccupy himself with the remembrance of Allāh and His signs. For one cannot attain that if one is distracted by people. Therefore, seclusion is the best way one can fully have time for Íbādāt and the Zikr of Allāh, The most High. In this regard, it was said to some wise people:
_”إلى أى شيء أفضى بهم الزهد والخلوة؟ قال: إلى الأنس الله “_
_” Where has Azzuhd and seclusion lead you to? He said, to Allāh, The Almighty. “_
And again one should know that, for one to always remember Allāh and His signs is better and beloved than mingling with other people indulging in idle talks.
*2.*Seclusion helps one to safeguard himself from sins and from harming others. In the sense that, by so doing, one will not backbite, slander, and transgress the honor of others.
*3.* it safeguards one from temptations and unnecessary arguments. For when one secludes oneself with the remembrance of Allāh, one is saved from falling into temptations.
In this context, It is reported from Ibn Úmar radiyallāhu anhumah who said_ The Messenger of Allāh sallallāhu àlayhi wasallam said:
_”إذا رأيت الناس قد مرجت عهودهم، وخفت أماناتهم، فكانوا هكذا- وشبك بين أصابعه، فقلت: ماتأمرني؟ فقال: ” الزم بيتك وأملك عليك لسانك، وخذ ما تعرف، ودع ماتنكر، وعليك بأمر الخاصة، ودع أمر العامة”_
_”If you noticed that the oath of people become mixed up and their trust decreased, and they become like this- then he interlocked his fingers, then I said(I.e Ibn Úmar): what do you advise me to do(at the time)? He replied (I.e The Messenger sallallāhu àlayhi wasallam): “Stick to your house and have control over your tongue, and do good deeds and shun away from evil, and hold strong to your personal affair and give up the affair of others.”_
Transmitted and recorded by Imām Abu Dawud in his ‘Sunan’#4343. Shaykh Al Albāni declared it as Hasan in ‘Assilsilatu Assahīha’#205.
*7th Safar, 1438H.*
Allāhu A’alam! Bārakallāhu fīkum!
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