Replying to the Adhaan before the Khutbah

Q: Salaah-281: Is it Makrooh to reply to the Adhaan that is called out in front of the Imaam near the pulpit before the Jumu'ah Khutbah? Is it also Makrooh to recite the du'aa after this Adhaan?

Answer: This question has always been a bone of contention between the Ulema. Some are of the opinion that replying to this Adhaan is forbidden and Makrooh because Rasulullaah SAW. instructed that neither salaah nor any speech should take place when the Imaam gets up to deliver the Khutbah.
Others maintain that one ought to reply to the Adhaan based on a Hadith in which Rasulullaah SAW. stated, "When you hear the Adhaan, repeat the words of the Mu'adhin. This opinion is supported by a narration stating that Hadhrat Mu'aawiya RADI. once replied to the Adhaan before the Khutbah and stated that he had heard Rasulullaah SAW. do so. The opinion stating the reply be given seems more accurate based on this narration and it is because of this that Allaama Lakhnawi RAH. writes that. doing so will therefore not be regarded as being Makrooh.

The Grand Mufti of India Hadhrat Mufti Muhammad Kifaayatullaah RAH. wrote, "Based on the narration of Hadhrat Mu'aawiya RADI. the latter day Ulema of the Hanafi school of jurisprudence have permitted replying to the Adhaan given before the pulpit. They are however unanimous about the fact that no salaah may be started. It is my humble opinion that it is best not to make any other Dhikr at this time apart from replying to the Adhaan. And Allaah knows best what is most correct.

Fatawa Rahimiyyah vol.2