In the Name of Allāh.

Alḥamdulillāh! Our religion, Islām, provides us with guidance on how to properly worship our Lord and live a fulfilling life, which includes etiquette for sitting during the Khutbah of the Jumu’ah prayer.

It has been reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) forbade Iḥtibā’, which is the act of sitting on one’s hips (or backside) with the thighs and legs pulled up to the stomach while wrapping one’s arms around the legs during the Imām‘s delivery of the Friday Khutbah. [Refer to Musnad Aḥmad (24/393), Sunan Ibn Mājah 1134]

There is a difference of opinion among scholars regarding this Ḥadīth. Some consider it to be Ḥasan (good), including Shaykh al-Albāni (Raḥimahullāh) in Ṣaḥīḥ At-Tirmidhī. Others, like Imām An-Nawawī (Raḥimahullāh) in al-Majmoo‘ (4/592), classify it as Da‘īf (weak). Consequently, some scholars, such as Ḥasan Al-Baṣri, Ibn Sirīn, Imām Mālik, Imām Ash-Shafi’ī, and Ibn Qudamah, believe that sitting in this manner is not discouraged.

Additionally, other scholars, including Imām An-Nawawī, Al-Bayhaqi, and Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymīn, have explained the wisdom behind discouraging such a posture. They suggest that it may lead to drowsiness, causing one to miss the Khutbah. Furthermore, this sitting position could expose one’s ‘Awrah (nudity), especially considering that people historically wore the Izār (waist wrapper) and Rida’ (upper garment); any sudden movement or fall could result in the ‘Awrah becoming uncovered. [Refer to Al-Mughni, Al-Majmoo’, and Sharḥ Riyād Aṣ-Ṣālihīn]

In conclusion, it’s preferable to avoid sitting with legs drawn up while the Imām delivers the Khutbah on Friday. However, if someone does adopt this position and there is no concern of revealing their ‘Awrah or falling asleep, then it is acceptable in that case.

I beseech Allāh to grant us understanding. Aameen.

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