the preacher, just as the Companions would face the Prophet ﷺ while he delivered the sermon.

If he sneezes, he should praise Allah quietly, between himself and his Lord.

Speaking is permissible before the sermon, after it, and when the imam sits between the two sermons for a valid purpose, yet one should refrain from worldly conversation.

In sum, the two Friday sermons hold tremendous weight in Islam. They include the recitation of the Quran, citations of the Prophet’s hadiths, beneficial guidance, sound exhortation, and reminders of the Days of Allah. For that reason, both the preacher and the listeners must give them full attention; the Friday sermon is not an ordinary talk like those delivered in clubs, celebrations, or casual gatherings.

It must also be noted that some attendees raise their voices with istiʿādhah (seeking refuge) whenever a threat is mentioned in the sermon, or raise their voices with requests and supplications when reward or Paradise is mentioned. This is impermissible and falls under the speech prohibited during the khutbah.

Revealed texts make it clear that talking during the sermon destroys the reward: the one who speaks “has no Friday,” and is likened to a donkey laden with books. Therefore it is essential to beware of this and to warn others against it.

The scholars, may Allah have mercy on them, have affirmed that the Friday prayer is an independent obligation and is not merely a substitute for Zuhr.