“Whoever gets up from his seat and then returns to it, he has more right to it.”

Reported by Muslim (no. 2179), from the narration of Abū Hurayrah — may Allah be pleased with him.

Brief Explanation of the Hadith

Among the beauties of Islam is its observance of people’s rights. Included among these rights are the rights of gatherings, due to the unity, affection, and harmony they foster among members of the community.
Among these rights is that if a person is sitting in a place and then leaves it for a need—such as making wuḍūʾ, speaking to someone, or anything else—with the intention of returning, and without a long interval, then no one has the right to take his spot. He has more right to his seat, whether or not he left any belongings there.
If someone else sits in his place, he has the right to have him stand up, for the right is his. The one sitting should leave it—out of regard for his brother’s right to the seat, as part of good manners in companionship, and to avoid anything that may disturb the harmony of brotherhood.
What is meant by “seat” here is all types of gatherings—including gatherings of knowledge, meetings, public assemblies, and workplaces or professional settings. The one who occupied the seat is more entitled to it if he leaves for a need and then returns shortly thereafter.