Jumu‘ah is the most blessed day of the week, a day when Muslims gather in the masjid to unite in worship and remembrance of Allah ﷻ. At the heart of this gathering lies the khutbah, a powerful sermon that is not merely a speech, but an act of worship in itself. The khutbah is meant to remind the believers of their duties, warn against sins, and inspire hearts toward righteousness. For this reason, Islam places great emphasis on listening to the khutbah attentively in silence and humility.
THE QUR’ANIC COMMAND
Allah ﷻ says:
“So when the Qur’an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.”
(Surah al-A‘raf 7:204)
Though this verse primarily addresses recitation of the Qur’an, scholars explain that the khutbah falls under its wisdom since it contains Qur’an, reminders, and commands from Allah. Mercy descends upon those who listen sincerely.
THE HADITH ON SILENCE DURING THE KHUTBAH
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When the Imam is delivering the khutbah, and you say to your companion, ‘Be quiet and listen,’ even then you have engaged in idle speech.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)
This hadith shows how serious the matter is. Even uttering a single word even if it is to tell someone else to be quiet is enough to lose the reward of Jumu‘ah. If this is the case for telling others to be silent, then how much worse is it to talk, check one’s phone, or allow the mind to wander during the khutbah?
WHY LISTENING IN SILENCE MATTERS
The khutbah is part of the Jumu‘ah prayer: According to many scholars, the khutbah replaces the two rak‘ahs of Dhuhr, making it a vital component of Friday worship. Ignoring it is like ignoring part of the prayer.
A weekly reminder: The khutbah is meant to recharge one’s iman, strengthen resolve against sins, and revive the heart with reminders from the Qur’an and Sunnah. To miss it by distraction is to deprive oneself of this nourishment.
Respect for the Imam and the congregation: Just as one would not interrupt salah, one should not disturb the khutbah, for it disrupts the entire gathering.
MODERN DISTRACTIONS
Today, one of the greatest challenges is the phone in our pocket. Some scroll through messages, browse social media, or even take calls during the khutbah. This not only cancels the reward but also reflects disregard for the sanctity of Jumu‘ah. Attending the khutbah requires discipline: turning off distractions, sitting still, and focusing with the heart.
ETIQUETTE WHEN LISTENING TO THE KHUTBAH
Arrive early to calm the heart before the khutbah begins.
Sit quietly facing the Imam.
Avoid talking, greeting others, or using the phone.
Focus on the words as if they are directed personally to you.
Remember that angels are present, recording who attends and how they attend.
CONCLUSION
The khutbah is a gift from Allah a weekly chance to reset, reflect, and realign our priorities with the Hereafter. Its words carry weight, for they are meant to guide us toward Jannah and away from heedlessness. To ignore it is to ignore mercy; to listen attentively is to invite blessings into one’s life.
