as the first [sermon], but it is recommended. If he preaches sitting down due to an excuse, he should separate the two sermons with a pause, and likewise if he preaches standing but does not sit. Ibn 'Abd al-Barr said: Malik, the Iraqis, and the rest of the jurists of the various regions, except for Al-Shafi'i, held the view that (18) there is no blame on anyone who omits the sitting between the two sermons.

Section: It is sunnah to preach while in a state of ritual purity. Abu al-Khattab said: There is a narration from him (Ahmad) that it is one of the conditions for it, and there are two opinions attributed to Al-Shafi'i, similar to the two narrations [from Ahmad]. Ahmad has already said regarding one who preaches while in a state of major ritual impurity (janabah), then performs ghusl and leads them in prayer: 'It is sufficient for him.' This only applies if he preaches outside the mosque, or if he preaches in the mosque without being aware of his condition, and then realizes it afterwards. The position most consistent with the foundations of the madhhab is the stipulation of purity [from janabah] (19); for our companions have said: 'It is a condition to recite a verse or more,' and that is not permissible for one in a state of janabah. Furthermore, because Al-Khiraqi stipulated purity from janabah for the adhan, the sermon is more deserving [of this requirement]. As for minor ritual purity (wudu'), it is not a condition, because it is a dhikr (remembrance) that precedes the prayer, so purity is not a condition for it, just as it is not for the adhan. However, it is recommended to be in a state of purity from both hadath (ritual impurity) and najas (filth), because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to pray immediately after the sermon without separating them with a purification, which indicates (20) that he was in a state of purity. Following his example, if not obligatory, is sunnah. Additionally, because we have recommended this for the adhan, it is even more appropriate for the sermon. Furthermore, if he were not in a state of purity, he would need to perform purification between the prayer and the sermon, thus creating a separation between them, which might cause a delay for those present.

Section: It is sunnah for the one who delivers the sermon to also lead the prayer, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to perform both himself, and so did his successors after him. If a man preaches,