Speaking During the Imam’s Silence Between the Two Sermons

Q: The brother M. A. J. from Cairo asks in his question: Is it permissible to speak during the imam’s silence between the two sermons of the Friday prayer, and is it permissible to point with the index finger at the mouth without speaking in order to alert a person not to talk during the sermon?

A: It is permissible to speak during the imam’s silence between the two sermons if there is a pressing need for it. There is nothing wrong with pointing to someone who is speaking while the imam is delivering the sermon to tell him to be quiet, just as pointing is permissible in prayer if there is a pressing need for it. May Allah guide them all.