Etiquette of Listening to the Friday Sermon: What is Permitted and Prohibited
Question: Can one recite the remembrance of Allah and send salutations upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) during the Friday sermon?
Answer: The sermon is delivered so that the audience attentively listens and takes heed from it. Speaking, engaging in conversation, or any movement during the sermon is prohibited. One must listen to the sermon attentively and remain completely silent. In Sahih Muslim (857), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever touches pebbles (during the Friday sermon) has engaged in idle behavior.” This means even minor actions like touching pebbles or any futile activity during the sermon are considered idle. Therefore, reciting the remembrance of Allah or sending salutations during the sermon is not permissible.
Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah
Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia
English Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail