The Sermon for Necessities
Encyclopedia
The Sermon for Necessities (Arabic: Khutbat-ul-Haajah) is a popular sermon (khutbah) in the Islamic world (particularly as the introduction to a khutbah during Jumu'ah
). It is used as an introduction to numerous undertakings of a Muslim.
as part of the Sunnah
. From Muhammad, the sermon has been reported by numerous Sahaba
including: Abd Allah ibn Mas'ud
, Abu Musa Ashaari, `Abd Allah ibn `Abbas
, Jabir ibn Abd-Allah
, Aisha
and Sahl ibn Sa'd
.
The use of the sermon had been neglected for some years until certain scholars such as Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Tahawi, Ibn Taymiyyah, and Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya and others revived it. Then its use was neglected again in the later generations until Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani revived it and its usage began to spread again, until it has reached its current widespread use and popularity.
After saying “To proceed,” the person then continues upon what they planned to say, write or do.
However, the sermon is excluded from business contracts and transactions. Furthermore, the sermon is a Sunnah, but it is not obligatory to the point that it cannot be left off, i.e., it can be left off at some times. However, it cannot be abandoned completely.
Jumu'ah
Jumu'ah is a congregational prayer that Muslims hold every Friday, just after noon in lieu of dhuhr...
). It is used as an introduction to numerous undertakings of a Muslim.
History of the Sermon
The Sermon for Necessities was initially taught by MuhammadMuhammad
Muhammad |ligature]] at U+FDF4 ;Arabic pronunciation varies regionally; the first vowel ranges from ~~; the second and the last vowel: ~~~. There are dialects which have no stress. In Egypt, it is pronounced not in religious contexts...
as part of the Sunnah
Sunnah
The word literally means a clear, well trodden, busy and plain surfaced road. In the discussion of the sources of religion, Sunnah denotes the practice of Prophet Muhammad that he taught and practically instituted as a teacher of the sharī‘ah and the best exemplar...
. From Muhammad, the sermon has been reported by numerous Sahaba
Sahaba
In Islam, the ' were the companions, disciples, scribes and family of the Islamic prophet...
including: Abd Allah ibn Mas'ud
Abd Allah ibn Mas'ud
Abdullah ibn Masud was one of the first converts to Islam after Muhammad started preaching in Mecca. He remained one of the closest companions of Muhammad during his lifetime....
, Abu Musa Ashaari, `Abd Allah ibn `Abbas
`Abd Allah ibn `Abbas
Abd Allah ibn Abbas was a paternal cousin of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. He is revered by Muslims for his knowledge and was an expert in Tafsir , as well as an authority on the Islamic Sunnah.-Family:...
, Jabir ibn Abd-Allah
Jabir ibn Abd-Allah
Jabir ibn 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr ibn Haram al-Ansari was a prominent companion of Muhammad and his descendants, the Shi'a Imams.-Early life:Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari was born in Yathrib 15 years before the Hijra. He belonged to a poor family of Yathrib. He was from the tribe of Khazraj. His mother...
, Aisha
Aisha
Aisha bint Abu Bakr also transcribed as was Muhammad's favorite wife...
and Sahl ibn Sa'd
Sahl ibn Sa'd
Sahl ibn Sa'd al-Sa'idi was one of the prominent Sahaba, Ansar and early Muslim scholars. He died in 91 AH-References:...
.
The use of the sermon had been neglected for some years until certain scholars such as Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Tahawi, Ibn Taymiyyah, and Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya and others revived it. Then its use was neglected again in the later generations until Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani revived it and its usage began to spread again, until it has reached its current widespread use and popularity.
Text of the Sermon
The Sermon for Necessities is composed of the following text (i.e. the English translation of the original Arabic text) as taught by Muhammad, including Ayat (Verses) from three different Qur’anic Suras (Chapters):After saying “To proceed,” the person then continues upon what they planned to say, write or do.
Areas of applicability of the Sermon
The Sermon for Necessities is used in the following occasions:- To begin lessons, or open classes.
- To begin books, articles, or treatises. The Salaf-us-Salih (pious predecessors) would commence their books with this sermon e.g. al-Tahawi included it in the introduction to his book Mushkil-ul-Athaar and Ibn Taymiyyah also constantly mentioned the sermon in his writings.
- To open sermons.
- To open the sermon during the marriage ceremony.
- To open the Friday prayer (Jumu'ah) sermon.
- By teachers to open their gatherings, their teaching of the Qur’an, their teaching of the Sunnah, their teaching of FiqhFiqhFiqh is Islamic jurisprudence. Fiqh is an expansion of the code of conduct expounded in the Quran, often supplemented by tradition and implemented by the rulings and interpretations of Islamic jurists....
and their admonishing and cautioning the people. - For various other affairs and necessities when Muslims wish to address one another, i.e. the Sermon for Necessities has a general usage and prescription during every righteous occasion.
However, the sermon is excluded from business contracts and transactions. Furthermore, the sermon is a Sunnah, but it is not obligatory to the point that it cannot be left off, i.e., it can be left off at some times. However, it cannot be abandoned completely.