Khutbah

Khutbah (Arabic: (خطبة khuṭbah)) serves as the primary formal occasion for public preaching in the Islamic tradition. Such sermons occur regularly, as prescribed by the teachings of all legal schools, at the dhuhr (noon) congregation prayer on Friday. In addition, similar sermons are called for on the two festival days.

Origins and definition

Religious narration (including sermons) may be pronounced in a variety of settings and at various times. The khutbah, however, refers to khutbat al-jum'a, usually meaning the address delivered in the mosque at weekly and annual rituals. Other religious oratory and occasions of preaching are described as dars (a lesson) or waz (an admonition), and their formats differ accordingly.

The khutbah originates from the practice of the prophet Muhammad, who used to deliver words of exhortation, instruction, or command at gatherings for worship in the mosque, which consisted of the courtyard of his house in Medina. Though khutba isn't mentioned directly in the Qur'an, one passage uses the word "khutubah" when referring to Qit'aal. (2:216)

After the conquest of Mecca, Muhammad presented himself as a khatib to the city in AD 630. The first four caliphs, and the Ummayads caliphs and provincial governors all delivered sermons. There were not necessarily exhortatory, but addressed practical questions of government and sometimes even included direct orders. Under the Abbasids, the caliph himself no longer preached, but assigned the task to the religious judges. The Abbasids insisted they were clearing Islam of the secularism of the Umayads, and this probably helped in strengthening the religious aspect of the sermon.

Delivery

At the beginning of the service the adhan is given, during which the khatib (the individual who delivers the khutbah) remains sitting. The iqama is given when the khatib descends. The sermon is delivered in two parts. Both parts are delivered while khatib is standing and punctuated by a pause in between them when the khatib sits down. During the sermon itself, it is obligatory to pronounce the following:

the salawaat, or invocations of peace and blessings on Muhammad,

recitation of a part of the Qur'an in the first part of the sermon or, according to some doctors, in both,

admonitions to piety in both parts of the sermon,

and dua (prayer) on behalf of the faithful.

The khatib must be in a state of ritual purity; his dress must be in accord with the prescriptions. It is commendable for the khatib to be on a pulpit or an elevated place; to salute the congregation when directing himself towards them; to sit down until the adhan is pronounced by the muezzin; and to direct himself straightway to his audience. Finally the khatib should make the sermon short.

In medieval Islam, sermons were generally delivered in classical Arabic. This linguistic requirement that required substantial training on the part of the khatib, and a notable degree of education on the part of listeners, especially non-Arab Muslims. This expectation contributed to the growth of a literary genre consisting of model sermons, such as those by the renowned ibn Nubata (d. 984). Later on, however, preaching in colloquial languages, while often retaining certain Arabic expressions, has become increasingly common.

Related concept

Abu-al-Faraj ibn Al-Jawzi writes in his Ru'ūs al-Qawārīr of a similar concept also called khutbah. Also referred to by the same name as the sermon, this concept was different. Its primary purpose was not to admonish, instruct or reprove, but rather to exalt and praise God. It invited others to worship and celebrate God's greatness. Ibn al-Jawzi employed a variety of metaphors and alluded to nature frequently.

See also

Nahj al Balagha

Qur'an reading

Sermon, Christian analogue

The sermon for Necessities- a popular sermon in the Islamic world, particularly as the introduction to a khutbah during Jumu'ah.

Notes

References

Gaffney, Patrick D. "Khutba." Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World. Edited by Martin, Richard C. Macmillan Reference, 2004. vol. 1 p. 394. 20 April 2008

Hoiberg, Dale; Ramchandani, Indu. Student's Britannica India. Popular Prakashan, 2000.

Hovannisian, Richard G; Sabagh, Georges. Religion and Culture in Medieval Islam. Cambridge University Press, 2000.

Lewis, Bernard. From Babel to Dragomans: Interpreting the Middle East. Oxford University Press, 2004.

Wensinck, A.J. Encyclopaedia of Islam. Edited by: P. Bearman, Th. Bianquis , C.E. Bosworth , E. van Donzel and W.P. Heinrichs. Brill, 2008. Brill Online. 20 April 2008

External links

Khutbah.com

Khutbahbank.org.uk: An online resource of khutbahs and related articles on Islam

FridayKhutbah.com: A collection of written, audio and video of Friday Khutbahs

Lectures (Audio and Video) : Light Upon Light

Lectures (Audio and Video) : Muslim Talks

Category:Arabic words and phrases Category:Islamic terms Category:Salat Category:Hajj Category:Sermons