Is drinking while the Imam is delivering the sermon disliked?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
Drinking while the Imam is delivering the sermon is disliked if the person is capable of hearing the sermon. This view is held by Malik and Al-Awza'i. The evidence is that drinking is an action that occupies one's attention, akin to touching pebbles.
Supporting text
It is permitted for drinking if the person is unable to hear the sermon, as in that case, the action does not occupy the listener because they are not engaged in listening.