Q: Certain 'Ulama in KZN are reading the Jummuah Khutbah from their cellphone. Please comment. Initially they started doing it because they claimed COVID contagion from the kitaab, but now they cannot claim COVID.
A: If the khutbah is read from the phone, the jumuah will be valid. However, this does not seem to be in keeping with respect as the cellphone is a device that most people commit sin through it intentionally or unintentionally.
Shariah has commanded that one refrains from all doubtful areas and doubtful things. As far as the cellphone is concerned, then there is no doubt in this aspect that it is an instrument wherein most sins take place today through it worldwide, whether by Muslims or non-Muslims.
Many people who are outwardly deeni conscious also fall into sin unintentionally when browsing the net or receiving messages on social media which contains pictures of animate objects and other impermissible content.
Therefore, understanding the great position of the jumuah salaah that it is among the sha'aair of Islam (salient symbols of Islam), it does not behove an aalim to be reading the khutbah from his cellphone.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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