A Study of Khutbah as An Islamic Perspective
1.0 Concept of Khutbah
Khutbah is derived from the Arabic word “Khataba” which is translated as preaching or sermon.
Khutbah is defined as sermon or talks on oral or religious issues usually given by an imam or leader during service.
And there is sermon delivered on Friday before Jumu’at prayer and there is Khutbah (Sermon) delivered at any Islamic gathering (including Khutbah on Eid-ul-Afitr and Eid-ul-Kabir Days).
According to Islamic teachings, Khutbah is an advice or admonishment that will lead to consciousness or fear of Allah, and will lead one to moral uprightness.
The Khutbah however, refers to Khutbah Al-Jumu’at, usually meaning the address delivered in the mosque at weekly (Noon) Friday prayer. The validity Khutbah (Sermon) is a condition for the validity of Jumu’at (Friday) prayer.
O you who believe (Muslim)! When the call Is proclaimed for the Salat (Prayer) on the Day of Friday (Jumu’ah Prayer), come to the Remembrance of Allah (Jumu’ah religious talk) Khutbah and leave off business that is better For you if you did but know. Q62:9
However, the Khutbah (Sermon) must contain items of preaching, guidance, and admonishing the congregation about religion implication and the does and done of Allah (S.W.T).
2.2 KHUTBAH DURING PROPHET
The prophet (S.A.W) first Khutbah in Madina addressed Muslims on the fear of Allah.
All praise is due to Allah. I thank him and seek his aid. I ask his forgiveness and seek his guidance. I believe in him and do not deny him. I am the enemy of those who reject belief in him I bear witness that there is no one worthy of worship, other than Allah, him alone without partner, and that Muhammad is his servant and messenger whom he sent with guidance, true religion, light and advice after a long gap of time when no messengers were sent, knowledge was little, people were misguided and time appeared to have stopped as the day of judgment approached.
Whoever obeys Allah and his messenger is wise and whoever disobeys them is astray, wasted and has lost his way far from the true path. I advise you to fear Allah and be conscious of him. Be conscious of what Allah warned you of himself. There is no better advice than that or a better reminder. It is a shield for those who follow this advise carefully and cautiously and it is and aid, and the truth that will get you what you aspire for on the Day of Judgment. Whoever establishes a good relationship between him and Allah, secretly and openly, only to seek the pleasure of Allah, will benefit in this life and be saved in the afterlife when he will be in dire need of the good deeds he earned before death. Man will then wish that there were a great distance between him and anything else other than taqwa.
Allah warns you about himself and he is kind to his servants. Allah, who has spoken the truth and fulfilled his promise, has said;
“I do not change my words and I do not oppress my servants” (Q50:29).
Fear Allah in your present and future affairs, in secret and in the open for (Allah has said:) “Whoever fears Allah, his sins will be forgiven and his reward will be many fold” (Q65:5) and “whoever fears Allah will achieve great success” having taqwa (fearful awareness of Allah) protect man from Allah’s anger protects him from his wrath. Taqwa illumines the face, pleases the lord and elevates the rank.
Take what is determined for you and do not neglect your relationship with Allah. He has taught you his book, laid down for you his path so that he know which of you are the lairs. Therefore, do good, just as Allah has done good to you and be enemies to his enemies. (for Allah has said;)
“And strive in the way of Allah sincerely for he has chosen you and named you Muslims” (And “that those who have died (Striving in his way) might die after a clear sign (Had been given to them) and those who go on to live might live after a clear sign (Had been given to them)” (Q8:42).
There is no strength other than by Allah, thus increase the remembrance of Allah and work for what will come after death, for whosever builds a good relationship with Allah, Allah will protect him from the harm or need of people. Allah surely decrees what is destined for mankind, where as they have no control over him and he has in store for them what they cannot have in store for him Allah is great. There is no power except by Allah, Elevated, the great.
Also, the prophet (S.A.W) delivered his last sermon which is known as Khutbatul wada (farewell sermon) on the Uranah valley of amount Arafat.
His words were quite clear and concise, and were directed to the entire humanity. After praising and thanking Allah, he said:
O People I lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.
O people I just as you regard this month, this day, this city as sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your lord and that He will indeed reckon your deeds.
Allah has forbidden you to take unusual (interest). Allah destroys interest and gives increase for charities. Q2:276
Therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived, your capital, however, is yours to keep, you will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity.
Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all interest due to Abbas ibn Abdulmuttalib (prophet’s uncle) shall henceforth be waived.
