Exposition of the Prohibition

This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (934) establishes a profound principle governing congregational prayer etiquette. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) explicitly prohibits speech during the khutbah, categorizing even the instruction to remain silent as "evil action" (laghwa). This demonstrates the gravity of maintaining absolute attentiveness when Allah's remembrance is being established.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that the prohibition encompasses all speech during khutbah, regardless of intention. The apparent good of commanding silence becomes evil because it distracts both the speaker and listener from the khutbah's spiritual benefits.

Imam al-Nawawi states in Sharh Sahih Muslim that this ruling applies equally to the imam and congregation. The wisdom lies in preserving the sanctity of this weekly religious gathering where hearts should be wholly present with Allah.

Legal Rulings (Ahkam)

The majority of scholars hold that speaking during khutbah invalidates the Friday prayer's validity if done intentionally. The Hanafi school considers it makruh tahrimi (prohibitively disliked) but not invalidating.

Exceptions exist for necessary communication, such as responding to the imam's salam or correcting a critical error in prayer. Even then, such speech should be minimal and whispered.

Spiritual Dimensions

This prohibition trains the believer in presence of heart (hudur al-qalb) - a fundamental state for all acts of worship. The khutbah represents direct divine address, requiring the same reverence as Quranic recitation.

The designation of "evil act" for seemingly good instruction teaches that ends don't justify prohibited means in worship. It cultivates awareness that Allah judges both actions and their surrounding circumstances.