THEME OF KHUTBA

The objective of the Khutba is to  give  Muslims hope  and  encouragement.   Emphasis should be on forgiveness and chance for repentance rather than on punishment.  Keeping in view the  work environment, no bad language or Dua'a damning any other group of people is to be used in Juma'a Khutba. Rather,  ask  for the  misguided to be guided by Allah.  Fiqh matters that are common to major schools and have the agreement of  the  majority  of the  Jurists  are  to  be brought up. Do not discuss differences. Muslim social problems are to  be  addressed  positively  without hurting  anyone by singling out or "pointing fingers", but rather by using generality and examples of our Prophet's life  in dealing with similar problems. The Khutba is not the right place to settle personal conflicts between Muslims.   Political  events are to be mentioned, if at all, only to relate causes and effects that are relevant to Muslims.  Political events  should  be  mentioned only with the purpose of educating the Muslims and raising their level of awareness, and should  be  evaluated  against  the Qur'an and Sunnah guidelines and principles.  In general, any topic that might cause division "fitnah" among Muslims is forbidden to  be  mentioned,  any  topic  that  might  lead to the Unity of Muslims is encouraged in the Khutba. Khutba is not a place to settle scores.

FORMAT OF THE KHUTBA

The khutba should be formed  of  two  parts with  a  short  break  of (istighfar) asking Allah's forgiveness, between them.  The Khateeb takes his place and greets the Muslims by  Assalamu'Alaikum.  The Adhan is called.  The two parts of the Khutba begin with Hamd to Allah (swt) and Thanaa on  His  prophet .   Khateeb  mentions the title of Khutba and explains what he means using Qur'an and Hadith where possible.   In  all,  both parts  have  to contain at least one Ayat from the Qur'an and one Hadith of the the prophet .  The two parts  of  the  Khutba have  to  be closed by Duaa of forgiveness and request of Allah's guidance to us.  It is  preferable  that  the  second  Khutba  is largely devoted to Duaa.

THE SALAAT OF JUMA'A

It is two rakaa't jahran (said aloud).  Imam of  salaat  may  or  may  not  be  the Khateeb.  (Should  be  selected  according to Qur'anic knowledge, and marital status respectively). This is supported  by  the following  Authentic Hadith: "The Imam of the group should be the one who is most knowledgeable^ about the book of Allah;  if  they are  equal in that respect, then the one most knowledgeable about the Sunnah; if they are equal in that respect, then the  one  who emigrated  first; if they are equal in that, then the eldest one, and let no one lead another amongst his family (or in his  household),  or  in his dominion, or take a better place than him, except by his permission", (appears in all six Sahih  books  except Bukhari,  Also appears in Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal).  ^ - The following footnote appears in the translation  to  Sahih  Muslim  by `Abdul  Hamid  siddiqi: "The original word ('aqra'uhum) means one who is the greatest reciter (of the Qur'an) among them. But  here recitation does not mean mere reading; it implies one who is well versed in the Qur'an, who has a deep insight into it, who has the greatest  devotion to it, and who can recite it well." Iqama only is called after the khutba is completed. No additional  adhan  is said  before  the  salaat.

THE SUNNAH SALAAT & AFTERWARDS

Time should be given for Muslims to perform  Sunnah  (2  or  4  rakat) after  the  Juma'a is over, and after announcements are made. Refrain from talking loudly when others  are  still  praying.   The Khateeb or another person, after taking the khateeb's permission, should announce special events relevant to the community. All announcements  must  also  be  previously cleared with the ISC officers.  The place of Salat (Masjid) should be left quietly,  with solemnity.
 

DURATION OF THE KHUTBA

Traditionally, the Khutba of the Prophet did not exceed  10  minutes.  His salaat was longer than his Khutbas. But some Sahabah kiram (followers of the Prophet ) during their time  took  more  than  10 minutes in their Khutbas. Yet, no more than about 25 minutes. However, the companions of the Prophet, in general followed his example; long salaat and short Khutba.

KHATEEB'S CHARACTER

Should have good knowledge of the Qur`an and Sunnah.  Must  be  a male  adult and hopefully sane Muslim.  Should be practicing what he preaches.  Should be in good relationship with Allah, and  always  aspiring to improve it.  Should be a good Daia, e.g. should not lose his temper, insult etc., does  not  discourage  but  encourages  people  to  Islam,  is  not  harsh in behavior, will be listened to by Muslims and (interested) non-Muslims alike. A good example of the Ayat of Sura #3 'Al `Imran: 3:159) Thus it is by the mercy of Allah that you deal  with  them gently,  and  had you been rough, hard hearted, they would surely have  dispersed  from  around  you.