Understanding Islamic Brotherhood in the Context of Social Gatherings
Imām Ibn al-Qayyim (d. 751 AH) said:
Gatherings with fellow Muslim brethren are of two types:
Gatherings with the purpose of cordiality, friendliness, and passing the time. The harm of this type is greater than its benefit. For, at the very least, it corrupts the heart and wastes time.
Gatherings formed with the express purpose of cooperation in expounding the means by which salvation itself is attained; advising one another with the truth while exhibiting patience1. This is the greatest and most beneficial of attainments. Although it may be marred by three afflictions:
The first is false...