What actions are permissible for one who is too far to hear the sermon?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
One who is too far away is permitted to remember Allah (Dhikr), recite the Quran, and send blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) privately, without raising their voice. Ahmad permits sending blessings upon the Prophet privately. Al-Shawkani, Sa'id ibn Jubayr, Al-Nakha'i, and Al-Shafi'i permitted recitation and remembrance for those distant. The basis for this allowance stems from the general application of the preceding evidence and the narration prohibiting the formation of circles (halaqat) on Friday before the prayer. Permitting private remembrance does not raise the voice, thereby avoiding harm to those nearby who are trying to listen, which would constitute an act of causing harm and obstructing remembrance of Allah.
Supporting text
Ibn Aqil stated that such a person is also permitted to discuss jurisprudence (Fiqh) and perform voluntary (nafl) prayer. There is a divergence of opinion whether silent remembrance is superior to complete silence (inṣāt). One view suggests silence is superior, citing the Hadith of Abdullah ibn Amr and the saying of Uthman. The second view suggests remembrance is superior because the person gains the reward for that act without causing harm to others, making it preferable, similar to actions performed before the sermon begins.