Fatwa: 682

Category: fatwas about prayer

Taking notes during the Friday’s sermon

The question:

What is the ruling regarding taking notes relating to religious science mentioned by the imam in the course of the Friday’s sermon?

The answer:

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. Peace and blessing be upon whom Allah sent as a mercy to the Worlds, upon his Family, his Companions and his Brothers till the Day of Resurrection.

It is improper to take notes while the imam is giving the Friday’s sermon, because, regardless the fact that taking notes hinders the person from hearing to the imam’s sermon, this will also lead the people who came for prayer to look at the person who is taking notes. Actually, it will distract their attention and prevent them from the obligation of listening [to the sermon], although the Prophet صلَّى الله عليه وسلَّم says: “If you say to your companion: “Listen!” while the imam is preaching the Friday’s sermon, then you have said idle words”⁽¹⁾. Besides, the person may record the sermon and benefit from it later on.

The perfect knowledge belongs to Allah عزَّ وجلَّ. Our last prayer is all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. Peace and blessing be upon our Prophet, his Family, his Companions and Brothers till the Day of Resurrection.

Algiers, Chawwâl 24^th, 1427H.
Corresponding to: November 16^th, 2006.