In the Name of Allāh.
The blessing of the Jumu’ah prayer is a precious gift, and it behooves us to preserve its beauty and significance. Yet, alas, some people allow distractions (such as phone calls) and idle chatter to detract from this sacred ritual, imperiling the rewards of their observance.
More so, if we witness someone engaging in idle talk or creating distractions during the sermon, we have to refrain from cautioning them, as this, would also be considered idle talk. Instead, let us set a positive example by embodying the virtues of silence and respect, demonstrating through our actions the importance of mindfulness and reverence in the Masjid.
Abu Hurayrah reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “If you tell your companion to be quiet on Friday while the Imām is speaking, you have spoken improperly.” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 892, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 851] Imām An-Nawawī (Raḥimahullāh) said, “In this tradition is the prohibition of every kind of talking during the sermon.” [Sharḥ an-Nawawī ‘alá Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 851]
This resounding declaration highlights the gravity of our responsibility to listen attentively and respectfully to the Khutbah (sermon), without engaging in trivial conversation or creating distractions. Remember, the Jumu’ah prayer is not just a ritual, but also a precious opportunity to connect with Allāh and seek His Guidance and Mercy. Let us not squander this opportunity but instead embrace it with reverence and humility for the Sake of Allāh and our spiritual growth.
However, the exception here is the one who speaks to the Imām or to whom the Imām speaks. Anas Ibn Mālik narrated: Once in the lifetime of the Prophet (ﷺ) the people were afflicted with drought (famine). While the Prophet (ﷺ) was delivering the Khutbah on a Friday, a Bedouin stood up and said, “O, Allāh’s Messenger (ﷺ)! Our possessions are being destroyed and the children are hungry; Please invoke Allāh (for rain)”. So the Prophet (ﷺ) supplicated and it rained. [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 933] Also, Jābir Ibn ‘Abdullāh narrated: A person entered the mosque while the Prophet (ﷺ) was delivering the Khutbah on a Friday. The Prophet (ﷺ) said to him, “Have you prayed?” The man replied in the negative. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Get up and pray two Rak’at.” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 930]
Therefore, it is obligatory to remain silent and listen attentively to the Imām while he is delivering the Jumu’ah sermon.
I beseech Allāh to make us always preserve the sanctity of the Jumu’ah prayer. Aameen
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