Thread: One who talks during the Imaam's sermon is like a donkey carrying a burden

Aauzo Billaahi Minash Shaitaan Nir Rajim
Bismillaah Hir Rehman Nir Rahim ; Allah - Beginning With The Name Of - The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.
Allahumma Salli Alaa Sayideena Muhammad Wa Alaa Aalihi Wa Sahbihi Wa Sallim.
The excellence of sitting close to the khateeb during the sermon

Sayyiduna Samurah Bin Jundab narrates that the Holy Prophet sal-lal-lahu alai hi wa sallam said, 'Be present at the time of the sermon and sit close to the Imaam because the further someone is from the Imaam, the later he will enter Heaven, even though he will enter it (meaning a Muslim).' (abu dawood, V1, P410, Hadith 1108, Dar ihya-tut-turathil arabi Beirut)

No reward of Friday

One who talks during the Imaam's sermon is like a donkey carrying a burden. One who says 'be silent' to his fellow brother during the sermon will not gain the reward of Friday. (musnad Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, V1, P494, Hadith 2033)

Listening to the sermon silently is fardh

Anything that is Haraam during Salaah (eating, drinking, greeting, answering, etc.) is also Haraam during the sermon. In fact even inviting towards good is not permitted during the sermon (for the attendees); but the khateeb can do so if he wishes. All attendees must listen to the sermon silently (it is fardh to do so). Those who are at a distance from the Imaam and cannot hear his voice must also remain silent (it is Wajib for them to do so). If one witnesses another doing something wrong he can be prohibited using gestures of the head or hand but not verbally (as this is prohibited). (dur-e-mukhtaar ma' rad-dul-muhtaar, V3, P35-36)