Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

Hazrat Shu’bah says that I asked Hazrat Simak bin Harb how Hazrat Nu’man used to deliver the sermon. He replied that he used to gesture with his hand. When Hazrat Dahhak bin Qais delivered the sermon, he used to place his hand on his mouth.

Hazrat Ammarah bin Ruwaybah saw Bishr bin Marwan standing on the pulpit raising both his hands. Upon seeing him, he said, "May Allah destroy these two hands. I saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) that during the sermon he would only gesture like this." Saying this, he gestured with his index finger to show.

Hazrat Mujahid says that the way for the Imam to grant permission during the sermon is that he should indicate with one hand during the Friday sermon.

Hazrat Ibn Sirin says that people used to seek permission from the Imam on the pulpit. During the rule of Ziyad, this became more common. Hazrat Ibn Sirin says that whoever places his hand on his nose, this is considered his permission.