Movement on Friday after the Imam

Q 4: If a man sneezes beside me and praises Allah, or greets me while the Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) is delivering the Friday Khutbah (sermon), should I answer him or not? Is it permissible to talk in the period between the two Khutbahs or not?

A: It is impermissible to ask Allah's Mercy for one who sneezes or return a greeting while the Imam is delivering the Khutbah, according to the most authentic views of scholars. Both of them are speech, (Part No. 8; Page No. 243) and it is prohibited to speak while the Imam is delivering the Khutbah based upon the generality of the Hadith. The basic ruling is generality until otherwise proven. As for lawful talk, it is permissible between the two Khutbahs according to the most authentic view, as it does not fall under the general prohibition of talking during the Khutbah.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.