our enemies are far more numerous and stronger than we are, then using the sword would be recklessness. This is why Allah has permitted us not to face an enemy more than twice our number. Allah Most High says:

“Now Allah has lightened your burden, for He knows that there is weakness in you. So if there are among you one hundred steadfast men, they will overcome two hundred; and if there are among you one thousand, they will overcome two thousand, by Allah’s permission. And Allah is with the steadfast.” [al-Anfal]

This also gives the disbelievers an argument when they say, “You Muslims conquered our lands in the beginning by force, not by calling to Islam.”

“And that he should face directly ahead, keep the sermon brief, and supplicate for the Muslims.”

His statement, “and that he should face directly ahead,” means that it is sunnah for the preacher to face straight ahead. He should not turn to the right or the left; rather, he should stand before the people. For if he turns to the right, he inconveniences those on the left, and if he turns to the left, he inconveniences those on the right. But if he faces directly ahead, he inconveniences no one, while the people face him, as far as possible.

If someone were to ask: Is it sunnah for him to turn to the right and left?

The answer is that this does not appear to be sunnah. Rather, the preacher should face directly ahead, and whoever wishes to look at him may turn toward him.

Is it sunnah for him to move his hands when speaking with emphasis?

The answer is that it is not sunnah for him to move his hands, even though I have heard that some preachers do so. However, during the sermon, he points with his finger when supplicating.

As for sermons other than the Friday sermon, we may say that it is preferable for a person to make movements suited to the statements he is making. As for the Friday sermon, its devotional nature predominates; this is why it was denounced.