What is the ruling of Al-Qadi regarding responding to greetings and acknowledging sneezes during the sermon?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
Al-Qadi ruled that one should neither return the greeting nor respond to the sneeze. This view is narrated similarly from Ibn 'Umar and constitutes the opinion of Malik, Al-Awza'i, and the Ashab ar-Ra'y (the Companions of Opinion).
Supporting text
The view of Ash-Shafi'i is debated. It may be limited to one who hears the sermon, similar to the second narration. Alternatively, it may be general for everyone present, whether they hear the sermon or not, because the obligation of remaining silent encompasses all attendees, thus prohibiting returning greetings and responding to sneezes for everyone present, similar to those who hear.