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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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