Al-Khutbah — The Islamic Sermon: Jumu'ah, Eid, and the Rules of the Pulpit

The Status of the Khutbah

The Jumu’ah khutbah replaces two of the four rak’at of Dhuhr prayer — the Jumu’ah consists of two rak’at after the khutbah (rather than four). This means the khutbah is a functional part of the act of worship, not merely a preamble.

Why is the khutbah before the prayer, not after? Unlike Eid (where the prayer comes first and the khutbah follows), in Jumu’ah the sermon comes first and the prayer follows — completing the spiritual act of gathering and remembrance in the correct liturgical order.

Pillars of the Jumu’ah Khutbah

Classical fiqh specifies the arkan (pillars) without which the khutbah is not valid:

Shafi’i Position (5 Pillars)

1. Hamd (Praise of Allah): Specifically saying Alhamdulillah or equivalent praise in the first and second khutbah
2. Salawat on the Prophet (SAW): In both khutbahs
3. Wasiyyat bi’l-Taqwa (Enjoining Taqwa): Advising the congregation to fear Allah — the primary purpose and obligation of the sermon
4. Recitation of a Quranic Verse: At least one verse in one of the two khutbahs
5. Du’a for Believers: In the second khutbah (a supplication for the Muslim community)

Hanafi Position (3 Conditions)

The Hanafi school is more lenient about the specific content but requires:

1. That the khutbah include dhikr of Allah (any substantial remembrance)
2. That it be delivered before the prayer
3. That it be delivered in a state of ritual purity (wudu)

Maliki Position

Requires hamd, salawat, wasiyyat bi’l-taqwa, du’a, and recitation of at least one verse.

Conditions (Shurut) for the Khutbah’s Validity

These are conditions for the khutbah to count as the Jumu’ah khutbah:

1. The khatib must be in a state of wudu: Per the majority — wudu is required, as it is a form of worship connected to prayer
2. Standing (if able): The khatib delivers the khutbah while standing; sitting is only permitted for inability
3. Two separate khutbahs with a sitting between them: The standard is two distinct speeches with the imam sitting between them on the minbar
4. Delivered in the time of Jumu’ah: Must occur after midday (zawwal) before the prayer
5. Must be heard by the minimum quorum: There must be a valid congregation present to hear it

Language of the khutbah: Classical scholars required Arabic for the obligatory pillars (hamd, salawat, quranic verse). Contemporary scholars — particularly in non-Arabic-speaking countries — have extensive debate on this. Many fatawa permit the explanatory content (wasiyyat, lessons) in the local language while keeping the Quranic recitation and praises in Arabic.

Sunnahs of the Khutbah

• Delivering from a minbar (pulpit): The Prophet (SAW) stood on the minbar when delivering the khutbah
• Holding a staff (qadib): The Prophet (SAW) held a bow or staff during the khutbah — a symbol of leadership and teaching authority
• Facing the congregation: The khatib turns to face the congregation
• The khutbah should be moderate in length: The Prophet (SAW) had a short, focused khutbah and a longer prayer. He said: “A man’s long prayer and short sermon is a sign of his understanding [of religion].” (Muslim)
• Beginning with ayyuha al-nas (O people): The Prophetic address style
• Raising the voice when appropriate — without shouting

Etiquette of the Congregation (Adab al-Mustami’in)

The congregation during the khutbah has specific obligations:

Obligatory:

• Silence during the khutbah: The Prophet (SAW) said: “If you say to your companion on Friday — while the imam is delivering the khutbah — ‘be quiet,’ you have engaged in laghw (idle talk).” (Bukhari, Muslim) — Even whispering “be quiet” to a talking neighbor is sufficient to invalidate the benefit of attending Jumu’ah. This shows how serious the silence obligation is.

Recommended:

• Face the khatib
• Listen attentively and reflect on the wasiyyat (advice)
• Recite salawat on the Prophet (SAW) when his name is mentioned
• Make du’a during the final moments of the khutbah — the hour of Jumu’ah contains the time of accepted du’a

The Eid Khutbah — Key Differences

See also: Friday Prayer, Understanding Namaz, Fiqh Overview, Fiqh Madhabs, Masjid Culture, Dai Al Mutlaq Institution, Seerah Medina