Khutbat al-Jumua wa Dawruha fi Tarbiyat al-Umma
- Author died
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- Editions
- Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Da‘wah and Guidance - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Khutbat al-Jumua wa Dawruha fi Tarbiyat al-Umma (The Friday Sermon and Its Role in Educating the Ummah) is a contemporary treatise on Islamic homiletics and religious guidance authored by Abd al-Ghani Ahmad Jabr Muzhir . The work examines the educational, social, and spiritual significance of the Friday congregational sermon (khutbah) and establishes practical guidelines for preachers to enhance its efficacy and communal reach .
Purpose and Scope
Muzhir explains that public speaking is an essential medium for Islamic outreach and reform, pointing out that an average worshipper attends fifty-two sermons annually, which collectively form a comprehensive educational course . He highlights that the unique nature of the Friday gathering lies in its diverse audience—encompassing workers, employers, students, teachers, and officials simultaneously—thereby facilitating social reform without isolating specific demographics . The author composed the treatise to elevate the standard of Friday sermons, revive their role within the community, guide preachers in awakening resolve, and educate Muslims on their creed, obligations, and contemporary challenges .
Structure and Contents
The book is arranged into an introduction, four primary chapters, and a conclusion :
- Chapter One: Essentials of an Effective Sermon (Muqawwimat al-khutbah al-muaththirah) focuses on the structural and rhetorical qualities of the sermon . It discusses brevity and length, the integration of Quranic verses and authenticated Prophetic traditions, the use of historical and contemporary parables, topic selection, sound pedagogical style—such as avoiding personal attacks, defamation of groups, hyperbole, and rhetoric causing despair—and delivering exhortations that foster piety and soften hearts .
- Chapter Two: Essentials of an Effective Preacher (Muqawwimat al-khatib al-muaththir) details the necessary personal and scholarly qualifications of the orator . It addresses sincerity, personal conduct, breadth of Islamic knowledge, linguistic eloquence, tone of voice, body language, neat appearance, rigorous verification of transmitted reports and legal rulings, avoiding affectation or artificial imitation, thorough preparation (whether extemporaneous or scripted), and post-sermon self-evaluation .
- Chapter Three: The Addressees (Al-Mukhatabun) addresses the dynamics between the preacher and the congregation . It covers analyzing the audience's background regarding age, occupation, and social customs; treating social ills and spiritual ailments of the heart; building communal trust through humility and shared concern; and monitoring listener reactions to assess behavioral changes .
- Chapter Four: The Impact of the Sermon on Community Education (Athar al-khutbah fi tarbiyat al-ummah) explores the distinctive features of the Friday service and demonstrates its practical outcomes on society, citing descriptive research and surveys on how sermons influence public adherence, religious awareness, and ethical decision-making .
The book closes with a summary of the findings along with practical recommendations and suggestions for prospective and practicing orators .
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