Excluding People in Conversation

Question: What does the hadith about two people talking to the exclusion of a third mean?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

The hadith in Sahih Muslim says, ‘When there are three people, let no two speak to the exclusion of the third’.

This means that is forbidden and sinful for any group to converse between themselves and leave one person out (Sharh Muslim, Nawawi).

I’m sure there is no difference between a physical group and a group online.

Some scholars have held that this is specific to when the group is on a journey.

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language