The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "If you say to your companion: 'Be quiet and listen' when the imam is delivering the Khutbah, you have engaged in idle speech."
The Book of the Prayer for the Two 'Eids - Sunan an-Nasa'i
Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1577
Textual Analysis
The Prophet (ﷺ) explicitly prohibited any form of speech during the Friday khutbah, even commands for silence. This demonstrates the absolute sanctity of the imam's sermon time.
Legal Ruling
Scholars unanimously agree that speaking during the khutbah is forbidden. The prohibition extends even to enjoining good or forbidding evil, as such speech distracts from the primary obligation of listening attentively.
Spiritual Wisdom
This teaching cultivates proper adab (etiquette) in the mosque. Silence during khutbah allows full concentration on divine guidance and prevents disturbance to other worshippers seeking spiritual benefit.
Practical Application
If one needs to quiet another, a gentle gesture suffices. The hadith emphasizes that the ends don't justify forbidden means - maintaining khutbah's sanctity takes precedence over correcting others verbally.