Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 28250 — Sitting in gatherings

Sayyiduna Abu Talhah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: We were sitting in a wide courtyard when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) passed by us. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Why do you hold gatherings on the roads? Avoid gatherings on the roads." We said: "O Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)! We sit without any sin, only conversing and talking among ourselves." He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Then give the gatherings their due." We asked: "O Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)! What is the due of the gatherings?" He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Lowering the gaze, returning the greeting of peace, and speaking in the best way."