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KHUTBA RULES & GUIDELINES

	Muslims  should  attend Juma'a (Friday) prayers  because it is ordained on them by Allah. In Surat 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 the 
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 one 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, 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).

THEME OF KHUTBA: The objective of the Khutba is to give Muslims hope  and  encouragement.   Emphasis should be on the 
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 mon 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.

FORMAT OF THE KHUTBA: The khutba should be formed of 2 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
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
cept 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 the 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.

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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