Is it required that the audience face the Khateeb (preacher) during the Friday sermon?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
It is recommended that the people face the Khateeb when he preaches. This view is held by Ibn Umar, Anas, Shuraih, Atah, Malik, Thawri, Awza'i, Sa'id bin Abdul Aziz, Ibn Jaber, Yazid bin Abi Maryam, Shafi'i, Ishaq, and the Ashab ar-Ra'y (Hanafi school). Ibn al-Mundhir stated this position is nearly unanimous (Ijma). The evidence for this is the narration by 'Adi bin Thabit, from his father, from his grandfather, who said: "When the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, stood upon the Minbar, his companions would face him with their faces." This was narrated by Ibn Majah. Additionally, there is a narration from Muthi' bin Yahya al-Madani, from his father, from his grandfather, stating: "When the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, stood upon the Minbar, we would turn our faces toward him," narrated by Athram. The rationale is that facing him is more effective for hearing, making it recommended, similar to the Imam facing the congregation.
Supporting text
It is narrated from Al-Hasan that he faced the Qibla and did not turn toward the Imam. It is also narrated that Sa'id bin al-Musayyab did not face Hisham bin Isma'il when he preached, so Hisham appointed a guard to turn him toward himself.