How to Pronounce khutba

Meaning and Context

The khutba (خِطْبَة) is a fundamental and ritualized sermon integral to Islamic worship, most prominently delivered by an Imam or appointed Khatib immediately preceding the obligatory Friday congregational prayer, known as Salat al-Jumu'ah. This oration serves a dual sacred and social function: it is a primary medium for religious education, expounding upon Quranic verses, Prophetic traditions (Sunnah), and core Islamic principles, while also providing timely moral and ethical guidance on contemporary issues affecting the Muslim community. The structure traditionally consists of two parts, separated by a brief moment of silent supplication from the congregation, and is delivered in a language understood by the assembly to ensure comprehension and relevance. By addressing spiritual tenets alongside social realities, the Friday khutba fosters communal unity, collective reflection, and a renewed sense of religious purpose, acting as a weekly touchstone for the ummah's intellectual and spiritual life. Its delivery from the minbar (pulpit) symbolizes the continuity of Prophetic counsel and remains a cornerstone of mosque activities and Islamic community cohesion.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard English transliteration is "khutba," derived from the Arabic root "kha-ta-ba" relating to speech or oration. Common alternative spellings include "khutbah" and "khotbah," with the added "h" reflecting a more precise transliteration of the Arabic terminal letter (ta marbuta). The term is sometimes misspelled as "khutbaa," "khutbahh," or "kutba," the latter omitting the essential "h" sound and altering the word's phonetic accuracy. A frequent error is the confusion with "khitbah" (خِطْبَة), which is homographic in Arabic but refers specifically to a marriage proposal or engagement, not the sermon; in English contexts, this distinction is often lost, leading to incorrect usage. The plural in Arabic is "khutab," though in English, "khutbas" is commonly accepted.

Example Sentences

The Imam prepared his weekly khutba, focusing on the Islamic ethics of environmental stewardship in light of recent local concerns.

Attending the Jumu'ah prayer and listening attentively to the khutba is considered a religious obligation for adult Muslim men.

Her research analyzed how the content of the Friday khutba has evolved to address the challenges of digital life and social media.

The khatib delivered a powerful, bilingual khutba that resonated deeply with the diverse congregation.

Scholars often study historical khutbas as valuable texts reflecting the social and political thought of their eras.

A common piece of advice is to arrive at the mosque early to secure a spot and benefit fully from the wisdom of the khutba.

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