This excerpt is taken from the book Tuhfa Juma by Sheikh al-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Yusuf (Founder of Dar al-Hadith Jamia Kamalia).
The Status of the Preacher:
The preacher is a messenger of Islam whose position has no equal. All the Prophets were essentially the preachers of their communities. Therefore, every preacher should uphold the dignity of this office.
Islamic Shariah has bestowed upon it a kind of sanctity, and it is obligatory upon him that the audience who come to him in large numbers voluntarily and without compulsion maintain good opinion of him.
Qualities of the Preacher:
He should possess the following qualities:
① Be of high morals and excellent manners.
② Be well-versed and have extensive Islamic knowledge.
③ Choose the best possible topic.
④ Avoid places of slander and suspicion.
⑤ Be as informed as possible about the conditions and events of the audience.
⑥ Have memorized a sufficient amount of the Holy Quran, authentic Hadiths, and other wise sayings.
⑦ Refrain from increasing religious differences among people.
⑧ Maintain the enthusiasm and passion of the audience during the sermon, so that the audience does not develop the habit of coming only at the end to fulfill the obligation.
⑨ Be aware of the modulation, continuity, and pauses in the voice.
⑩ Appearance, attire, and physical gestures should reflect the message.
The preacher can change the world:
If we start counting mosques in the world where the weekly Friday sermon is held, their number would be in the millions. Estimate the number of listeners as well. Such a large number of people cannot be gathered on any important matter, nor can they be gathered by any means.
All means of publication are optional; no one can be forced to benefit from them, neither to read newspapers, nor to listen to the radio, nor to watch TV, whereas here people voluntarily attend as a duty. Among these attendees, compared to general gatherings and meetings—where sometimes there are only scientists, sometimes only students, sometimes only doctors, sometimes only common people, and so on—other conferences take place, while here people from every field and every age group sit together.
Bring people to a conclusion:
When a lecturer attends a university, madrasa, school, or college, or other educational institutions, he acts responsibly by thoroughly refining and polishing his subject and bringing it to a conclusion. Similarly, it is the duty of the preacher to think in advance about what he wants to convey to the audience, what modern ideas he is going to present, and what results will emerge from it. Then he observes what good impression the listeners have taken.
You, peace be upon you, continuously bestowed education upon the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, and people took all their training matters from you. However, on Fridays, the situation was different compared to other days, and the audience also received it in a new form.
Keep in mind the difference between the Friday sermon and teaching lessons:
Teaching is also done in lessons, and the Friday sermon is also a form of teaching, but in the sermon, we see the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ differently from ordinary lessons. Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, states in his famous book "Zad al-Ma'ad fi Hady Khayr al-'Ibad ﷺ" that when the Prophet ﷺ delivered a sermon, his blessed eyes would become red, his voice would become loud, and in an angry tone, he would become as if warning an army, saying: "O people, you might be attacked in the morning or evening; be cautious and be prepared."
In the Friday sermon, the preacher aligns the thoughts of the audience with new emotions and awakens them. With his gestures and loud voice, he encourages them to adapt to modern ideas along with him. It is hoped that the preachers will take these points into consideration and strive to make their sermons more effective. And Allah is the Grantor of success.
Reference: (With many thanks to "Monthly Tarjuman al-Quran" (Jamia Salafiya Faisalabad), January to March 2010, pp. 26-27)
Do not make excessive movements during the Friday sermon:
All eyes of the audience are on you. Therefore, do not give them a chance to laugh at you. Control your emotions; avoid foaming at the mouth due to intense emotions, waving your hands and arms vigorously like a woman as if fighting. Repeatedly raising your heels is all unserious behavior. Especially avoid these in the Friday sermon. Deliver the sermon with utmost dignity and seriousness, in a passionate and commanding voice. According to the Sunnah, raise your index finger to indicate.
Reference: See: Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Book of Prayer, Chapter on the dislike of raising hands on the pulpit, Hadith number (515)
Do not rely on notes:
Memorize the Quranic verses and Prophetic hadiths well. Do not keep any book, notebook, or notes in front of you. This does not leave a good impression on the audience and disrupts the continuity of the sermon.
Adorn your sermon with an incident:
Sometimes an incident has more impact than hours of speech. Therefore, make your speech effective by using incidents of the Prophets, Quranic incidents, incidents mentioned in Hadith, acceptable Israiliyat incidents, and popular stories of the pious predecessors. Avoid fabricated and unverified incidents completely.
Keep the sermon comprehensive and moderate:
The prayer of the Holy Prophet ﷺ was moderate, and so was his sermon.
Reference: (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 507)
Practice this throughout your life. Do not make the sermon so long that ears get tired and people start leaving towards the end to escape. Nor should it be so brief that people leave empty-handed. Give the people something, but in such a way that they remain encouraged to listen more.
Sunnah recitation in Fajr prayer on Friday:
Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) used to recite Surah Al-Muzzammil (As-Sajda) and Surah Hal Ata 'Ala Al-Insan (i.e., Surah Ad-Dahr) in the Fajr prayer on Friday.
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Friday, Chapter: What is recited in Fajr prayer on Friday, Hadith: 891)
When should the Mu'adhdhin start the Adhan on Friday?
When the Khateeb sits on the pulpit, the Mu'adhdhin should start the Adhan.
This has been the collective practice of all Muslims during the Prophetic era (SAW), the era of Abu Bakr (RA), and the era of Umar (RA).
Reference: (Sahih Bukhari, Book of Friday, Chapter: The Adhan at the time of the Khutbah, Hadith: 916)
What should the pulpit be like:
The pulpit of the Holy Prophet (SAW) was made of wood and had three steps.
Reference: (Zad al-Ma'ad, p. 429, Vol. 1)
The Khateeb should also sit on the pulpit, respond to the Mu'adhdhin's Adhan, and then recite the following supplication:
Generally, the honorable preachers become lazy; they neither respond to the Mu'adhin's call to prayer nor recite the subsequent supplication, whereas this is against the Sunnah. Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, established this chapter in Sahih Bukhari.
باب يجيب الإمام على المنبر إذا سمع النداء The Imam sitting on the pulpit should respond to the call to prayer. Under this, the practice of Hazrat Muawiyah, may Allah be pleased with him, is mentioned that when he was present on the pulpit and the Mu'adhin said Allahu Akbar, he also said Allahu Akbar, thus responding to the call to prayer. Then Hazrat Muawiyah, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
يا أيها الناس إني سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم على هذا المجلس حين أذن المؤذن يقول ما سمعتم مني من مقالتي
"At this place, I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, say the same things in response to the Mu'adhin's call to prayer that you have heard from me."
Reference: (Sahih Bukhari, Book of Friday Prayer, Hadith number 914)
The Friday sermon should be delivered standing, and one should sit between the two sermons:
For the Friday sermon, the preacher should stand while delivering the sermon. This issue is proven by a Quranic text in Surah Al-Jumu'ah. It has been the blessed Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the unanimous practice of all the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them. Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar, may Allah be pleased with both of them, narrates:
كان النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم يخطب قائما ثم يقعد ثم يقوم كما تفعلون الآن
"The Holy Prophet ﷺ used to deliver the sermon standing, then sit, then stand again as you all do now."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Friday Prayer, Chapter: Sermon while standing, Hadith: 920)
What the preacher should hold in his hand during the sermon:
It is Sunnah for the preacher to hold a stick in his hand during the sermon; however, holding a sword, a spear, or any weapon is not established in normal circumstances.
Reference: (Zad al-Ma'ad, p. 429, Vol. 1)
Sitting for a short period between the two sermons:
The short sitting between the two sermons should be long enough to easily recite Surah Al-Ikhlas.
Reference: (Misk al-Khitam, Nawab Siddiq Hasan Khan, Vol. 2, p. 81)
In this session, it is not established that the Chief Preacher ﷺ recited any supplication.
Raising hands in supplication for rain during the Friday sermon:
Hazrat Anas bin Malik (RA) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was delivering a sermon when a companion stood up and said: O Messenger of Allah (PBUH), the crops have been destroyed, the animals have died; please pray to Allah for rain for us!
فمد يديه ودعا
Then the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) raised his blessed hands and prayed.
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Friday Prayer, Chapter on Raising Hands in the Sermon, Hadith: 932)
Imam Bukhari (RA) has established this issue from the above hadith.
Saying something good to a follower who interrupts during the sermon:
If during the sermon any follower is doing something wrong, or if due to some religious necessity it becomes necessary to advise a follower, the preacher can say it in a good manner.
As the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ asked a companion who came late:
صليت؟ "Have you performed the Tahiyyat al-Masjid?" He said no, so the Prophet ﷺ said: فصل ركعتين۔ "Pray two rak'ahs (light prayer)."
Reference: (Sahih Bukhari, Book of Friday Prayer, Hadith: 931, 930)
Hazrat Jabir رضي الله عنه narrates that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ sat on the pulpit on the day of Friday and said to the companions: "All sit down!" Abdullah bin Mas'ud رضي الله عنه was at the mosque door and sat there. The Prophet ﷺ saw him and said:
تعال يا عبد الله بن مسعود
"Abdullah, come forward."
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood, Chapter: The Imam speaks to a man during his sermon, Hadith: 1091)
Stopping the sermon and descending from the pulpit due to an emergency or necessity:
The preacher is permitted, in case of compulsion or urgent severe need, to stop the sermon, come down from the pulpit, and after fulfilling the necessity, resume it again.
Hazrat Buraydah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was delivering a sermon when Hazrat Hasan and Husain (may Allah be pleased with them), wearing red shirts, came stumbling. The Prophet (peace be upon him) came down from the pulpit, took them, brought them onto the pulpit, and said: Allah Almighty has spoken the truth.
﴿إِنَّمَا أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَأَوْلَادُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ﴾
"Your wealth and your children are but a trial."
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
رأيت هذين فلم أصبر
"When I saw these two, I could not remain silent." Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) continued the sermon.
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood, Chapter: The Imam Interrupts the Sermon for a New Matter, Hadith: 1109)
Recommended Recitation in the Friday Prayer:
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, used to recite Surah Al-A'la and Surah Al-Ghashiyah in the units of the Friday prayer.
Reference: (Sahih Muslim, Book of Friday Prayer, Hadith: 878)
"Reciting Surah Al-Jumu'ah and Surah Al-Munafiqun in the Friday prayer is also proven from authentic hadith. Hazrat Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, once led the Friday prayer and recited Surah Al-Jumu'ah and Surah Al-Munafiqun, and said: I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, reciting these surahs in the Friday prayer."
Reference: (Sahih Muslim, Book of Friday Prayer, Hadith: 877)
The Juridical Status of Incomplete Recitation of Surah Al-A'la and Al-Ghashiyah in the Friday Prayer:
In light of the above Hadith, our preachers should make it a practice to recite the Sunnah portions during the Friday prayer. And the Sunnah will only be fulfilled when these Surahs are recited completely.
Making it a habit to recite them incompletely and thinking that one has followed the Sunnah is certainly an ignorant practice.
However, if a preacher for some reason recites these Surahs incompletely or recites other shorter Surahs, there is no doubt about its permissibility; however, in that case, he will be deprived of the reward of following the Sunnah.
Especially the honorable Ahl al-Hadith preachers should revive these Sunnahs due to their special enthusiasm for acting upon Hadith and following the Sunnah. May Allah grant success in action.
When Eid and Friday fall on the same day:
When Eid falls on a Friday, it is permissible for those who pray Eid prayer with the Imam to skip the Friday prayer. However, it is better that the Imam leads the Friday prayer so that those who want to pray Friday prayer can do so.
Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said on such an occasion:
قد اجتمع فى يومكم هذا عيدان فمن شاء أجزأه من الجمعة وإنا مجمعون
"Today, two Eids (Friday and Eid) have coincided. Whoever wishes, the Eid prayer is sufficient instead of Friday prayer. But we will pray Friday."
Reference: (Sunan Abu Dawood, Book of Prayer, Chapter: When Friday coincides with Eid, Hadith: 1070)
In some cases, if the Imam does not lead the Friday prayer, this is also permissible. However, it is better that he leads the Friday prayer.
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood Hadith: 1072)
Note: Remember that for those who do not pray Friday prayer, the Zuhr prayer is obligatory in any case, and neglecting it is a major sin.
How many times and when should the Khateeb greet the followers with Salaam?
When the preacher and the follower enter the mosque, they should recite the supplication for entering the mosque and greet with salam.
In addition, the preacher should specially say salam two more times.
① When he reaches near the pulpit, he should greet those sitting near the pulpit.
② And when he climbs the pulpit, he should face the people and say salam before sitting.
This was the practice of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. As narrated by Hazrat Jabir رضي الله عنه:
أن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم كان إذا دنا من المنبر سلم على من عند المنبر ثم صعد فإذا استقبل الناس بوجهه سلم ثم قعد
"When you ﷺ came near the pulpit, you greeted those near the pulpit, and then when you climbed the pulpit, you faced the people and greeted them, and then you sat on the pulpit."
Reference: (Al-Sunan al-Kubra lil-Bayhaqi, 205/3)
This hadith indicates that the preacher should say salam facing the audience before sitting on the pulpit and before the adhan.
Imam Bayhaqi رحمه الله established this heading on it:
باب الإمام يسلم على الناس إذا صعد المنبر قبل أن يجلس
"That is, the Imam should greet the people before sitting on the pulpit."
Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah رحمه الله also adopted the same position.
Reference: (Zad al-Ma'ad, p. 173)
The Imams of the two holy cities also follow this practice:
In our region, the custom is somewhat different; generally, the preachers sit on the pulpit, the muezzin calls the adhan, and after the adhan, the preacher stands, says salam, and then begins the sermon. To my knowledge, this commonly practiced method is not proven from the Sunnah.
Ruling on Tahiyyat al-Masjid for the Khateeb:
For a local khateeb, reciting Tahiyyat al-Masjid before the sermon is not established as Sunnah, but it is permissible for a traveling khateeb to recite Tahiyyat al-Masjid.
For the general public, whether local or traveling, reciting Tahiyyat al-Masjid before and during the sermon is established as Sunnah.
With which words should the sermon end:
When the khateeb finishes the sermon, he should recite the following verse from the Holy Quran.
﴿إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ وَإِيتَاءِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَيَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ وَالْبَغْيِ ۚ يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ﴾
Reference: (Surah An-Nahl: Ayah 90, Para 14)
Caliph Umar ibn Abdul Aziz (may Allah have mercy on him) included this blessed verse in the sermon.
Reference: Taysir al-Quran by Abdul Rahman Kilani (may Allah have mercy on him), p. 543, Vol. 2
