What is the importance of the sermon (Khutbah) in Friday prayer?

Friday Sermon is an Islamic ritual that plays an effective role in shaping the behaviour of the people and influencing them in all the walks of life. It has a major role in serving the call to Allah who blessed the Muslims with a weekly feast every Friday and ordained the Friday Sermon and prayer as obligatory. He orders the Muslims to seek this ritual with the purpose of combining their hearts together, uniting their words, educating their ignorant, warning the unwary, guiding the lost, spurring the resolves, enlightening the people about their religion, their doctrine, the plotting of their enemies and how they can confront it, and keeping them all steadfast on revering the sanctities of Allah.

Friday Sermon is also a significant aspect of Islamic worship and community life. Here are some of its importance:

1. Spiritual Refreshment: The Friday Sermon provides an opportunity for Muslims to recharge their spiritual batteries and refocus on their faith.

2. Community Building: The congregational prayer that follows the sermon fosters a sense of community and brotherhood among Muslims.

3. Guidance and Reminders: The sermon offers guidance on various aspects of life, reminding Muslims of their duties, responsibilities, and the teachings of Islam.

4. Social and Moral Development: The Friday Sermon addresses social and moral issues, promoting righteousness, justice, and compassion.

5. Unity and Solidarity: The sermon and congregational prayer promote unity and solidarity among Muslims, transcending cultural and linguistic differences.

6. Accountability: The sermon serves as a reminder of individual and collective accountability to Allah, encouraging Muslims to reflect on their actions.

7. Historical Significance: The Friday Sermon has been a continuous tradition since the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

8. Intellectual and Spiritual Growth: The sermon often includes reflections on the Quran, Hadith, and Islamic history, promoting intellectual and spiritual growth.

9. Social Justice: The Friday Sermon often addresses issues of social justice, encouraging Muslims to work towards creating a more equitable society.

10. Spiritual Preparedness: The sermon helps Muslims prepare for the Day of Judgment and the afterlife, reminding them of their ultimate accountability to Allah.

Here are some etiquette and guidance to follow during a sermon prayer (Friday Sermon or Khutbah):

Etiquette:

1. Arrival: Arrive early to secure a suitable place in the mosque or prayer area.

2. Dress modestly: Wear clean, modest, and respectful clothing.

3. Purification: Ensure you are in a state of ritual purity (wudu or tayammum).

4. Silence: Maintain silence during the sermon and prayer.

5. Attention: Focus on the speaker and the prayer.

6. Respect: Show respect to the imam, the mosque, and fellow worshippers.

7. Mobile phones: Switch off or silence mobile phones.

8. Seating: Sit comfortably, facing the imam, and avoid leaning on others.

Guidance:

1. Listen attentively: Pay attention to the sermon and reflect on its message.

2. Follow the imam: Follow the imam’s lead in prayer, bowing, prostrating, and standing.

3. Recite quietly: Recite prayers and supplications quietly during the prayer.

4. Avoid distractions: Avoid talking, laughing, or engaging in distracting behavior.

5. Show reverence: Display humility and reverence during the prayer.

6. Congregational prayer: Participate in the congregational prayer, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow worshippers.

7. Respect the mosque: Treat the mosque and its facilities with respect and cleanliness.

8. Pray with sincerity: Offer your prayers with sincerity and focus on your relationship with Allah.

Remember, the Friday Sermon is a sacred occasion for spiritual growth, guidance, and community building. By following these etiquette and guidance, you can enhance your experience and reap the blessings of this important Islamic tradition.