Is it a condition for the validity of the Jumu'ah Khutbah that the Imam delivers it while standing?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
The statement that the Prophet 'delivered his sermon standing' implies that standing during the Khutbah is a condition for its validity, and if an Imam preaches while seated without an excuse, the sermon is invalid. This is the interpretation favored by Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him), who disliked being asked about giving the Khutbah while sitting or sitting during one of the two sermons, citing the verse {and left you standing} (Quran 62:11) and the Prophet's practice. Evidence confirms this: Ibn 'Umar narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) delivered two standing sermons, separating them with a sitting, and Jabir ibn Samurah reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stood, sat, and then stood again to deliver the sermon; anyone claiming he preached sitting has lied.
Supporting text
The position contrary to this, held by the Kadi and Abu Hanifa, is that it is sufficient for the Imam to deliver the Khutbah while seated. This is reasoned because the standing position is not a stipulated condition for the remembrance (*Dhikr*), similar to the *Adhan*. If one sits due to a legitimate excuse, such as illness or inability to stand, the prayer remains valid, and the Khutbah is more fittingly excused.