The Shaykh’s advice to the youth to face the imam while he is delivering the sermon and not to lean against the wall

The Shaykh : And the second or third point is that in this sitting, may Allah reward you, there is the loss of another recommended practice, which is facing the imam when he delivers the sermon. Those who take a place right next to the wall are facing the east or the west, whereas they should turn to face the imam when he is delivering the sermon. These are texts that admit no discussion or argument; they are merely a reminder, and a reminder benefits the believers. There is a third thing, and I have kept you long, so please forgive me. The third thing is: leaning against the wall. I do not approve of it for someone like you for two reasons. The first is that it resembles the hugging of the knees, which is also prohibited on Friday during the sermon. The second is that, praise be to Allah, you are young. If I, an old man, did that, people might criticize me, but they would not pay attention to the fact that my old age requires me to take a wall as a support. But you, praise be to Allah, and the youth around you, are in the prime of youth. So I see that you should leave off leaning against the wall, and not settle in a place in the mosque, but rather face the imam while he is delivering the sermon. This is all I have, and may Allah reward you with good for your good listening.

The questioner : May Allah reward you, if Allah wills, knowledge.

The Shaykh : May Allah reward you with good.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh : Knowledge and practice, if Allah wills.

The questioner : Knowledge and practice, with Allah’s permission.

The Shaykh : May Allah reward you with good; that is what I expect of you.

The questioner : May Allah reward you.

The Shaykh : But let the one present convey it to the one absent, so that the reward written for me, if Allah wills, is also written for you.

The questioner : This is what has been on my mind: that tonight I will inform them, if Allah wills.

The Shaykh : May Allah reward you with good.

The questioner : May Allah reward you.

The Shaykh : Today, if Allah wills, I will receive your support.

The questioner : If Allah wills, with Allah’s permission, today you will be there, meaning it is possible after the midday prayer.

The Shaykh : Okay, many thanks.

The questioner : May Allah reward you, O Shaykh.

The Shaykh : Welcome, and peace be upon you, and Allah’s mercy and blessings.