The Meaning of the Hadith: “Whoever touches the pebbles has spoken nonsense”

Question:
The questioner asks: What is the meaning of the saying of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), “Whoever touches the pebbles has spoken nonsense,” and does this also apply in our present time, since some mosques are carpeted?

Answer:
This applies during the time of the khutbah, the Friday sermon. One should not move his hand, draw on the ground, or on the carpet. This is considered movement, fiddling, and distraction from listening to the khutbah. His saying “has spoken nonsense” means that he receives no reward for his attendance. “Spoken nonsense” means that his reward and his wage are nullified. In the hadith it means he came and exerted himself, but he has no wage and no reward. He nullified it by fiddling with the pebbles, drawing on the ground or on the carpet, or doing something similar. Rather, he should listen and pay attention to the dhikr, listen to the khutbah, and benefit from it. Yes.