Chapter: Listening attentively to the lawful words of one’s companion, and the scholar’s requirement that his audience remain silent

698 – Jarir ibn ʿAbd Allah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: During the Farewell Pilgrimage the Messenger of Allah ﷺ called the people to silence and then declared, “Do not turn back after I am gone as disbelievers, striking one another’s necks.” Agreed upon.

Explanation
Imam al-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, placed this chapter to show that a person should listen carefully to his companion so long as the latter is not saying anything unlawful, and that a scholar or teacher may require those present to keep quiet so they can benefit from what he says.

We have already mentioned that when the Prophet ﷺ offered the greeting of peace he would do so up to three times: he would greet once, and if the addressee did not answer he would repeat it a second time; if there was still no reply, he would greet a third time, and if still unanswered he would leave it. If, however, the greeting was returned the first time, he would not repeat it.

This chapter, therefore, teaches that one ought to listen well and give full attention to his companion’s words, provided the speech is free of anything forbidden.