*** Sending greetings on the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم during the Khutbah ***

[Zaheer A Khan]

Bismillaah:

Is it permissible to send greeting on the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم after the Imam mentioned this ayah or when his name is mentioned ?

'' Indeed Allaah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet, O you who believe ! Say salaah upon him and greet him with the greetings of peace.''

{ Al Ahzaab/56 }

The scholars differ on this issue.

Imam al Sarakhsi رحمه الله said:

'' The situation during the Khutbah is the same status as the prayer. If the Imam reads the same ayah, the congregation does not offer prayers on the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم during the prayer. Similarly, they should not do so during the Khutbah but must remain silent.''

{ Kitab ul Mabsoot }

Imam At Tahaawi رحمه الله said:

"The congregation must state prayer upon the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم since that is a command."

{ Al Mushkil }

Imam Abu Yusuf رحمه الله said:

''One should do so not aloud but only to himself, as that does not preoccupy the person from listening to the Khutbah. And, in that case he will be achieving both good deeds.''

As for the definition of '' to oneself " it is differed upon:

Imam Al Quhustaani رحمه الله defined it as:

" Such that one can hear oneself "

Imam ibn Humaam رحمه الله defined it as:

Being in one’s heart without pronouncing it.''

Ibn Humaam concludes:

Abu Yusuf's opinion is the correct one, also a person may respond to the one who sneezes silently, to oneself.''

{ Fath ul Qadeer 2/68,69 }

This seems to be the strongest opinion. During the Khutbah, in general, no speech of any kind should be made. It is, therefore, more cautious merely to respond in one’s heart, without pronouncing.

{ Ahkaam ul Jummah 2/ 160 }

*** And Allaah عزوجل knows best ***