QA-ID-0069
QUESTION
Is it a Sunnah to physically look at the Imam/Leader when they are reciting the Khutbah?
ANSWER
﷽
It is recommended (mustahab) and in accordance with the sunnah for people to face and look at the Imām during the sermon (khutbah). This is considered part of proper etiquette, as it demonstrates attentive listening by facing the speaker.
《 انَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِذَا اسْتَوَى عَلَى الْمِنْبَرِ اسْتَقْبَلْنَاهُ بِوُجُوهِنَا 》
《 Indeed, when the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ ascended the pulpit, we would face him with our faces 》[Tirmidhī 509]
《 إِنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم جَلَسَ ذَاتَ يَوْمٍ عَلَى الْمِنْبَرِ وَجَلَسْنَا حَوْلَهُ 》
《 The Prophet ﷺ once sat on the pulpit, and we sat around him 》[Bukhārī 181]
If a person is seated directly in front of the Imām, he should face and look towards him during the khutbah. If he is seated to the left or right of the Imām, he should turn to face and look at the Imām [al-Fatāwā al-Hindiyyah 1/147]. This is merely recommended. However, it is also acceptable to remain facing the qiblah during the khutbah, as is commonly practised in our Masājid [al-Mabsūt 2/30].
والله تعالى أعلم
And Allāh Knows Best
Muhammad Kalim Misbahi
