Camp Together

“Abu Sa’alba (radi Allahu anhu) narrated that when people camped, they used to settle in different parts of the valley. Allah’s Messenger (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: ‘This scattering of yours is a trick of Shaitaan’s.’ After these instructions of the Prophet, when people stopped to rest, they used to remain near and hug each other, in such a way that if a big cloth were spread over them it could cover them.” [Abu Dawud]

People would travel in caravans. When they would stop to rest they would set up camp. They used to scatter out in the valley with a view to more comfort.

The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) disapproved of this manner of camping, as though the people had no connection with one another.

The way that the Sahabah behaved after the Prophet’s instructions shows the harmony in their feelings, their exchange of love and compassion, the unity in their ranks, and their respect for the teachings of their Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam).

Even in ordinary everyday situations, when we sit with other Muslims we should sit close to each other as this exhibits greater affection and humility.