The majority, however, maintain that speaking does not invalidate his prayer.

13 – Qadi Iyad said: The scholars disagreed about a person who cannot hear the sermon—must he remain silent as though he could hear it? The majority answered in the affirmative, for if he talks he disturbs those who are listening and distracts them from paying attention. Al-Nakhaʿi, Ahmad, and al-Shafiʿi in one of his two opinions held that silence is not obligatory for him, although it is recommended.

The editor remarks: Some scholars made an exception for one who is deaf and therefore hears nothing; such a person need not keep silent but should occupy himself with recitation and remembrance. This is a well-founded view.