Khutbah

Khutbah (Arabic: خطبة khuṭbah, Turkish: hutbe) serves as the primary formal occasion for public preaching in the Islamic tradition.

Such sermons occur regularly, as prescribed by the teachings of all legal schools. The Islamic tradition can be formally at the dhuhr (noon) congregation prayer on Friday. In addition, similar sermons are called for on the two festival days.

Origins and definition

Religious narration (including sermons) may be pronounced in a variety of settings and at various times. The khutbah, however, refers to khutbat al-jum'a, usually meaning the address delivered in the mosque at weekly (usually Friday) and annual rituals. Other religious oratory and occasions of preaching are described as dars (a lesson) or waz (an admonition), and their formats differ accordingly.

The khutbah originates from the practice of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad, who used to deliver words of exhortation, instruction, or command at gatherings for worship in the mosque, which consisted of the courtyard of his house in Medina. Though khutba isn't mentioned directly in the Qur'an, one passage uses the word "khutubah" when referring to Qit'aal. (Al-Baqara:216)