Is the aforementioned ribat, with its known characteristics and rituals—represented by a forty-day seclusion in one of the individuals' homes, their absence from congregational and Friday prayers, along with communal fasting and night vigil, communal recitation of dhikr under the supervision of one of them, narration of dreams, reading from books of raqa'iq (heart-softeners), memorization of the Qur'an, a fiqh lesson, and communal prayers upon the Prophet (peace be upon him)—part of the Prophetic guidance, or is it an innovation (bid'ah)? And is it considered a lawful i'tikaf (seclusion)? Is it permissible to miss congregational and Friday prayers because of it? Did the Companions sit in rows for communal dhikr under supervision? Did they arrange to perform communal night vigil outside of Ramadan? Is it permissible to designate one day of the week for communal night vigil?

Neglecting the Friday prayer is an evil that requires repentance, as Allah says: {O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu‘ah, then proceed to the remembrance of Allah} [Surat Al-Jumu'ah: 9]. And the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Indeed, people should desist from neglecting the Jumu'ah prayers, or Allah will seal their hearts, and they will then be among the heedless." Furthermore, neglecting three Jumu'ah prayers out of complacency will cause Allah to seal the heart of the one who abandons them.

As for gathering in homes for remembrance (dhikr), sending prayers upon the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and reciting the Qur'an, this involves missing out on much good by not praying in congregation. Moreover, specifying a particular time, type, and number for dhikr, and repeating it behind one man, is an innovation (bid'ah) that was not part of the guidance of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, nor the righteous predecessors. This is as narrated from Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, who disapproved of people doing so. These individuals should be advised, and the correct path should be explained to them wisely, encouraging them to fear Allah and worship Him only in the way He has legislated.