Being Occupied with One’s Regular Litany During a Sermon

Question

At the time of a scholar’s lecture, a hadith lesson, or the reading of some religious book, is it contrary to what is preferable (khilaf al-awla) to remain occupied with one’s own regular litany — the third kalima, istighfar, blessings upon the Prophet?

Answer

In that case one can obtain neither the full benefit of the lecture, nor give full attention to the regular litany; rather, both tasks remain incomplete.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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