Question:
Assalamu’alaikum, respected shaykhs.
With utmost respect, I would really like to understand the Jum’uah khutbas that I listen to in the mosques (non-in particular) every Friday. It is in Arabic, and I wanted to first of all learn the Arabic meaning, and also am keen to know are there standard versions of khutbas that have been passed down transmitted etc through the ages, and where can I get hold of them with translation.
Also my final question is, am I right in presuming that khutbas have more of an esoteric emphasis in mosques upholding the values of Tasawwuf.
Jazakallah and thankyou fore your valuable time.
Answer:
Alaykum Salam,
You can find the khutbas of the Prophet (upon him blessings and peace) in translation and their standard wordings are usually followed in all introductories.
Turks Indians and others do have traditional manuals designed as helpers for preachers, with shorter texts following the year’s highlights.
However, the khutba was designed to address the crises and pressing needs of localities, not as a monolithic ceremonial form.
Yes, Sufi communities might use the khutba as a spiritual exploration and others also might hijack it as a political harangue as is most commonly found.
The best khutba is the one from which one comes out trying to change at least one aspect of their belief and practice for the better.
Hajj Gibril Haddad
