Making Du`a' during the interval between the two Khutbahs on Friday

Q: In one of mosques in the city of Jeddah, the Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) delegates another person to delivers the Friday Khutbah (sermon) in his stead due to the former's absence on vacation. In every Friday Khutbah, this deputy-Imam constantly reminds us saying: (Part No. 7; Page No. 132) "O Muslims, I remind you that there should be no Du`a' (supplication) during the pause between the two Khutbahs." I disagreed with him regarding this and asked him to bring a proof from the Noble Qur'an, a Sahih (authentic) Hadith, or a Shar`y (Islamically lawful) Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar) to validate his saying that making Du'a' between the two parts of the Khutbah is prohibited. He just argued that this is mentioned in some book, without naming it. What is the correct opinion on this issue?

A: We know of no evidence prohibiting supplicating Allah during the interval between the two Khutbahs on Friday. On the contrary, this time is the most likely for Du`a' to be answered by Allah. Some scholars even argued that the hour during which Du`a' is most likely to be answered is that which extends between the Khatib's (preacher) sitting on the Minbar (pulpit) and the end of the prayer. This is based on what was related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "There is a time on Friday in which no Muslim offers Salah (Prayer) and asks Allah for anything (that is good), without his supplication is granted by Allah. And he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) indicated the shortness of it with his hands." (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).It is related also on the authority of Abu Musa (may Allah be pleased with him) that he heard the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) talking about the (special) hour during Friday saying that it is between the time when the Khatib (preacher) sits on the Minbar (pulpit) until the end of Salah. (Recorded by Imam Muslim and Abu Dawud). (Part No. 7; Page No. 133) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.