What is meant by "al-Majalis" (the gatherings) in the verse: "O you who have believed, when you are told, 'Make space in the assemblies [al-majalis],' then make space; Allah will make space for you. And when you are told, 'Arise,' then arise; Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do"; does it refer only to the gatherings of the Prophet (peace be upon him), or to gatherings of remembrance (dhikr), or to all gatherings, including family gatherings and ordinary meetings?

Scholars have differed regarding the intended meaning of the gatherings in which spaciousness was commanded: some said it refers specifically to the Prophet's (peace be upon him) gatherings, while others said it refers to battle gatherings. Imam al-Tabari chose the view that it refers to all gatherings. Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) adduced as proof the hadith that prohibits a man from being made to rise from his seat and commands spaciousness and expansion. Al-Qurtubi and others favored the generality of the command to include every gathering where Muslims convene for good. This is an admonition from Allah to the believers to make space in gatherings if some of them need it, and the recompense is of the same kind as the deed; whoever makes space, Allah will make space for him.