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KHUTBA RULES & GUIDELINES

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Muslims should attend Juma'a (Friday) prayers because it is ordained
on them by Allah. In Surat #62 Al_Juma'a comes the clear order
from Allah : 

(62:9) O you who believe! when the call is made for prayer on
Friday, then hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off
trading; that is better for you, if you know.

The remembrance of Allah is interpreted as (While performing the
salaat of Juma'a):

The listening to a khutba that focuses on Muslims' loyalty to
Allah, with the main objective of inspiring and motivating Muslims
to order and practice virtue (ma`roof) and forbid vice (munkar).
This is supported by several authentic Hadiths, the following
appears in Sahih Muslim:

Narrated Abu Huraira "The person who takes a bath then comes
to the Jum`a prayer, then offers the prayer that was destined
for him, and then keeps silent till the Imam finishes the sermon,
and then prays along with him, his sins between that time and
the next Friday would be forgiven, and even of three days more"
(similar hadiths appear in Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah, & Ahmad
bin Hanbal)
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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 (PBUH) 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.
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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 (pbuh). 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 (pbuh).
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, age, 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
house-hold), 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:

Traditionally, the Khutba of the Prophet (PBUH) did not exceed
10 minutes. His salaat was longer than his Khutbas. But some Sahabah
kiram (followers of the Prophet (PBUH)) 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.
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KHATEEB 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;

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First Published by salman@hoserve.ho.att.com 
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