Q 1: Is it permissible for the Masjid (mosque) worker to speak during the Khutbah (sermon) for the Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer to organize the men's rows, ask the women to be quiet, take people to the place for Wudu' (ablution), or for any other reason?

A: It is not permissible for anyone in the Masjid to speak during the Khutbah for the Jumu`ah Prayer at all, even if that is to organize the rows, tell women to be quiet, (Part No. 8; Page No. 202) take someone to the place for Wudu', or for any other reason, except for the Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer). The Imam is permitted to say what he thinks will serve the public interest. The evidence for this is that While the Prophet (peace be upon him) was delivering the Khutbah, he saw a man who entered the Masjid and sat down without performing Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (two-unit Prayer to salute the mosque). He (peace be upon him) said, "Get up and perform two Rak`ahs." Similarly, it is permissible for any one of the congregation to ask the Khatib (preacher) a question while he is delivering the Khutbah if this is necessary, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not object to the person asking him to offer Salat-ul-Istisqa' (Prayer for rain) while he was delivering the Khutbah. In fact, the Prophet (peace be upon him) replied to him and performed the Salah.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.