The Jumah Khutbah
By Sharrifa Carlo
Why is it that so many of our brothers have forgotten the importance of the Jumah khutbah. I am not talking about those who stay away from the prayers entirely, for they are a case in themselves, and once they have missed three Jumah’s without excuse, Allah sets a seal over their hearts. I am talking about those who appear to care about their deen, about their responsibilities towards Allah, about the obligation of Jumah. I am talking about the brothers who come shooting in at the last minute, just in time to catch the last rakat, or if they are being really good, they might actually hear a word or two of the khutbah itself before the salat starts.
I don’t know if it is a matter of ignorance, shortage in belief, or carelessness, but I notice that these brothers, when they have a class or an appointment with their professor will practically kill themselves to arrive on time, but for their appointment with Allah, they falter. They arrive late. Is it that they trust in Allah’s Mercy so much that they forget His Wrath? Whatever the reason, I thought that maybe a few words from our beloved Prophet, Muhammad (may Allah’s Peace and Mercy be upon him) might remind at least one brother that the Jumah salat is obligatory not just to add another body to the prayer line, but because of the khutbah. The khutbah is a part of the salat itself. Why do you think the prayer is shorter. I beg you, my brothers, for the sake of your own souls, don’t waste the blessing of Jumah. Don’t fit Jumah into your schedules, fit your schedules into Jumah.
May Allah forgive us all and guide us and give us the best in this life and the next Ameen.
Jumah:
Narrated Tariq ibn Shihab(R.A.):
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The Friday prayer in congregation is a necessary duty for every Muslim, with four exceptions; a slave, a woman, a boy, and a sick person. Sunan Abu Dawud: Book 3, Number 1062:
Compulsory Acts of Jumah:
Narrated AbuMusa al-Ash’ari(R.A.):
Abdullah ibn Umar said to me: Did you hear anything from your father narrating something from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about the time on Friday? I said: Yes, I heard him say from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) (these words): “It is between the time when the Imam sits down and the end of the prayer.” Sahih Muslim: Book 4, Number 1855:
Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri(R.A.):
Allah’s Apostle (p.b.u.h) said, “The taking of a bath on Friday is compulsory for every male (Muslim) who has attained the age of puberty.” Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 13, Number 4:
Narrated Abu Huraira(R.A.):
Allah’s Apostle (p.b.u.h) said, “Any person who takes a bath on Friday like the bath of Janaba and then goes for the prayer (in the first hour i.e. early), it is as if he had sacrificed a camel (in Allah’s cause); and whoever goes in the second hour it is as if he had sacrificed a cow; and whoever goes in the third hour, then it is as if he had sacrificed a horned ram; and if one goes in the fourth hour, then it is as if he had sacrificed a hen; and whoever goes in the fifth hour then it is as if he had offered an egg. When the Imam comes out (i.e. starts delivering the Khutba), the angels present themselves to listen to the Khutba.” Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 13, Number 6:
Narrated Abu Huraira(R.A.):
The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “When it is a Friday, the angels stand at the gate of the mosque and keep on writing the names of the persons coming to the mosque in succession according to their arrivals. The example of the one who enters the mosque in the earliest hour is that of one offering a camel (in sacrifice). The one coming next is like one offering a cow and then a ram and then a chicken and then an egg respectively. When the Imam comes out (for Jumua prayer) they (i.e. angels) fold their papers and listen to the Khutba.” Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 13, Number 51:
Narrated Abu Huraira(R.A.):
Allah’s Apostle (p.b.u.h) said, “When the Imam is delivering the Khutba, and you ask your companion to keep quiet and listen, then no doubt you have done an evil act.” Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 13, Number 56:
Narrated Jabir bin ‘Abdullah(R.A.):
While we were praying (Jumua Khutba & prayer) with the Prophet (p.b.u.h), some camels loaded with food, arrived (from Sham.~ The people diverted their attention towards the camels (and left the mosque), and only twelve persons remained with the Prophet. So this verse was revealed: “But when they see Some bargain or some amusement, They disperse headlong to it, And leave you standing.” (62.11) Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 13, Number 58:
Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar(R.A.) ; Abu Hurayrah(R.A.):
Ibn Umar and Abu Hurayrah heard Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) say on the planks of his pulpit: People must cease to neglect the Friday prayer, or Allah will seal their hearts and then they will be among the negligent. Sahih Muslim: Book 4, Number 1882:
Benefits of Jumah:
Narrated Salman-Al-Farsi(R.A.):
The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, “Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house, then proceeds (for the Jumua prayer) and does not separate two persons sitting together (in the mosque), then prays as much as (Allah has) written for him and then remains silent while the Imam is delivering the Khutba, his sins in-between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven.” Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 13, Number 8:
Narrated Abu Huraira(R.A.):
Allah’s Apostle (p.b.u.h) talked about Friday and said, “There is an hour (opportune time) on Friday and if a Muslim gets it while praying and asks something from Allah, then Allah will definitely meet his demand.” And he (the Prophet) pointed out the shortness of that time with his hands. Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 13, Number 57:
Narrated Abu Hurayrah(R.A.):
Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it Adam was created, on it he was made to enter Paradise, on it he was expelled from it. Sahih Muslim: Book 4, Number 1856:
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