Is it from the Sunnah for the Imam/Khateeb of Jumu'ah to delay his arrival and sit in the back rows, then make his way through them to the minbar? And it is said that the benefit of this is for people to recognize him, so how sound is this statement? And is it true that among the desirable manners for the khateeb is to stand before ascending the minbar and send prayers upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), then seek his permission to ascend? And has this been reported from the Companions?

The Sunnah (definition) is to come early for Friday prayer, except for the Imam, who enters the mosque at the time of prayer, ascends the minbar, greets, then sits until the adhan (definition) is called, and then delivers the sermon. As for him sitting in the back rows and traversing them to let people know that he is the preacher, there is no evidence for this. What was mentioned about the desirability of standing by the minbar and seeking permission from the Prophet, peace be upon him, is blameworthy extremism. Proper conduct with him is by following his Sunnah, and his saying, peace be upon him: "Do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians exaggerated in praising Isa, son of Maryam. I am only a slave, so say: Allah's slave and His Messenger."