Manhaj fi Idad Khutbat al-Jumua
- Author died
- -
- Editions
- Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Dawah and Guidance - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Manhaj fi Id‘ad Khutbat al-Jumu‘ah (A Methodology for Preparing the Friday Sermon) is a treatise on Islamic homiletics and pulpit oratory by the Saudi scholar and Imam of al-Masjid al-Haram, Salih bin Humayd . The book outlines practical guidelines, structural components, rhetorical principles, and ethical standards for preparing and delivering the weekly Friday sermon (khuṭbah) .
Background and Purpose
The author composed the treatise to assist preachers (khaṭībs) and religious counselors in refining their pulpit discourse, noting that the work arose from both official ministerial interest and his own longstanding intention to address the subject despite constraints on his time . Bin Humayd notes that instructional writings on rhetoric cannot create innate eloquence where it is absent; rather, they serve as guidance to help talented speakers develop their abilities, prepare systematically, and avoid superficial or haphazard presentations .
Structure and Content
The work consists of an introduction, several thematic discussions on the composition and delivery of sermons, and a concluding summary of core principles :
- Definition and Forms of Oratory: The author defines the sermon as rhymed, unrhymed, or mixed prose aimed at persuasion and emotional engagement, focusing specifically on pulpit sermons delivered on Fridays to urge people toward righteousness and address communal realities in light of Islamic law . The book outlines various genres of public speaking—parliamentary, electoral, cultural, judicial, military, and pulpit—focusing primarily on the weekly Friday sermon .
- Pillars and Structure of Sermon Construction: The work identifies three foundational pillars for constructing a sermon: the thinking heart (selecting and developing the topic), illustrative expression (style and structural arrangement), and the expressive tongue (vocal delivery) . A complete sermon comprises an introduction opening with the praise of God, blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ, and thematic cues; a central body structured around clear explanation and evidence from the Quran, Sunnah, and statements of classical scholars; and a decisive conclusion summarizing the message without introducing new points .
- Rhetorical Style and Delivery: The book emphasizes maintaining thematic unity, using accessible vocabulary, varying phrasing between direct statement and interrogation, and avoiding excessive length . In delivery, the author advises proper pronunciation, avoiding grammatical mistakes (laḥn), adopting a measured pace rather than rushing, and employing natural, disciplined body language .
- Preacher Attributes and Etiquette: Preacher traits are divided into innate qualities (fluency, composure, vocal strength) and acquired skills gained through study and practice . The author instructs preachers to embody piety, maintain personal conviction in what they deliver, consider the intellectual background of their congregation, avoid delving into intricate specialized disputes or theoretical sciences, and approach listeners with gentleness and sincerity .
- Recommended Sources: The treatise details reference material beneficial for preachers, including the Quran and tafsir; hadith collections and their classical commentaries; classical works on creed, ethics, and spirituality (such as texts by Ibn al-Qayyim, Ibn Taymiyyah, al-Ghazali, Ibn al-Jawzi, and Ibn Rajab); classical and modern Arabic literary treatises; published collections of Friday sermons; and contemporary periodicals for tracking social developments .
The treatise concludes by comparing the preacher to a physician who must accurately identify social ailments before applying remedies from the Quran and Sunnah, focusing on agreed-upon foundational principles rather than contentious juristic details .
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