(Makhdum Yusaf Aziz)

According to etiquettes, the passers-by should greet the seated people.

Hazrat Saeed-al-Khadri narrates: the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said that, “Be careful! Do not sit on the edges of the paths”. The companions of Prophet (ﷺ) said that, “We cannot help holding these meetings as we discuss issues here.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said that, “If you can’t stop, then render the rights of the path.” The companions (رضوان اللہ اجمعین) asked, “O Allah’s Prophet! (ﷺ) What is the right of the path?” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “Lowering down your gaze, preventing the affliction, responding to greetings, ordaining the virtue and stopping the evil.” Sitting places are often on the road, which create troubles, e.g. one may look at the passers-by, that include women as well and they feel uncomfortable. Sometimes we sweep away the sitting area and throw the garbage on the road. But if due to some compulsion, the sitting place is along the road, one should lower his gaze or turn his face while women are passing by. No agonizing thing should be thrown on the way. If the passers-by greet you, reply them in loud voice. According to etiquettes, the passers-by should greet the seated people. It will be discouraging if they are not replied. Moreover, it is seated people’s responsibility that they should politely stop the passers-by if they find them doing something wrong. Do not talk indecently in the meeting; rather discuss such things that incline the listeners to do something good. Avoid discussing such things that are unacceptable according to Islam and ethics. Always talk about things that are true and Islamic.