How to Pronounce khatib

Meaning and Context

The khatib is a pivotal religious and community figure in Islam, entrusted with delivering the khutbah, the formal sermon that precedes the obligatory Friday Jumu'ah prayer. This role extends far beyond simple oration; the khatib serves as a spiritual guide, moral compass, and a source of communal unity, addressing contemporary social issues through the lens of Islamic theology and prophetic tradition. Historically, the position was often held by the imam of the mosque, but it can be a designated scholar or a respected community member known for their knowledge and piety. The khutbah itself is a structured address, typically given in two parts with a brief pause in between, and is a fundamental component of the Jumu'ah service, making the khatib's function integral to the weekly religious life of Muslims. To be effective, a khatib must possess not only deep Islamic knowledge (ilm) and eloquence but also the wisdom to connect timeless scripture to the lived realities of the congregation, offering both religious insights and practical spiritual encouragement.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary term "khatib" is a direct transliteration from the Arabic (خَطِيب). A common and widely accepted alternative spelling is "khateeb," which reflects a different phonetic interpretation of the long vowel. Other frequent variations include "khatib" (without the 'h') and "khatib," though these are less standard. A common error, particularly in non-specialist writing, is the confusion with the similar-sounding term "khattab," which is a surname (as in Umar ibn al-Khattab) and not a title. The plural form in Arabic is "khutaba'" (خُطَبَاء), often transliterated as "khutaba" or "khateebs" in English. When searching for information online, it is advisable to try both "khatib" and "khateeb" to ensure comprehensive results, as usage varies by region and publishing style.

Example Sentences

The community was deeply moved by the khatib's powerful sermon on compassion and social justice, which resonated long after the prayer had ended.

For the upcoming Jumu'ah, the mosque committee has invited a renowned female scholar to serve as the guest khatib, a decision that has generated positive discussion.

Preparing a meaningful khutbah requires extensive study, and the aspiring khatib spent the week consulting tafsir and relevant hadith collections.

His role as the regular khatib at the central mosque carries significant responsibility, as his words help shape the spiritual outlook of hundreds of worshippers each week.

After the service, several congregants approached the khatib to thank him for his insightful commentary on navigating modern ethical dilemmas.

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