A discussion on the benefits of distancing oneself from others as mentioned by the Commander of the Faithful.
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1 Answer
Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.
Upon reviewing several of our texts and examining various collections, we found a narration cited by the author of 'Bihar al-Anwar' from 'Al-Khisal' where it is stated:
'Al-Khisal': Ibn al-Walid, from al-Saffar, from Ibn Ma'ruf, from Ali ibn Mahziyar, who reported that it was said: 'There will come a time for people when well-being will consist of ten parts, nine of which will be in distancing oneself from people, and one in silence.'
What we wish to convey here is that some of our narrations encourage distancing from people and solitude, while others promote socializing and closeness to them.
This requires a contextual understanding to resolve the apparent contradiction at first glance (and this is one of the remedies mentioned in the books of jurisprudence).
Scholars have provided various answers to this, and we will limit ourselves to one: solitude is commendable when a person is at risk of falling into doubts or close to prohibitions and sins. However, if the gathering is for knowledge and acts of worship, attending it is among the greatest recommended actions.
There are other perspectives mentioned by scholars based on what has been narrated from the noble Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).
All praise is due to God, Lord of the worlds.
Source:
(1) Bihar al-Anwar - Allama Majlisi - Vol. 67 - Page 110
And peace and blessings be upon our master Muhammad and his pure family.