The Friday Khutbah is intended to be a practical guide for daily life—promoting righteousness, justice, honesty, and responsibility—rather than a mere weekly ritual.
Dr. Firdous A Reshi
The Friday Khutbah is an important part of Islamic life, but its real purpose is often forgotten in our society. Every Friday, Muslims gather in mosques to listen to the Imam, but the question is whether the message of the Khutbah influences our daily lives. The Khutbah is not merely a religious speech or a weekly ritual; it is a means of guiding people towards righteousness, honesty, justice, patience, kindness and responsibility. Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran, “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction” (Surah An-Nahl 16:125). This verse reminds us that religious guidance should be delivered with wisdom, sincerity and a clear purpose. The Friday sermon should help Muslims understand their duties towards Almighty Allah, their families, their neighbours and society. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used his teachings to reform people’s character and guide them towards a peaceful and just society. He said, “The best among you are those who have the best character” (Sahih al-Bukhari 3559). This Hadith highlights the importance of good manners, which should be a central message of every Khutbah. Unfortunately, many people attend Friday prayers regularly but continue to engage in dishonesty, backbiting, corruption, injustice and disrespect towards others. Some people listen to religious advice in the mosque but forget it as soon as they return to their homes, workplaces and markets. This raises an important question: what is the benefit of listening to a sermon if it does not bring positive changes to our behaviour? In Jammu and Kashmir, where Mosques play a significant role in religious and social life, the Friday Khutbah can become a powerful instrument for social reform. Imams can use this platform to address issues such as drug addiction, domestic violence, corruption, unemployment-related frustration, growing disrespect towards parents, the misuse of social media and the increasing burden of unnecessary marriage expenses. They can remind parents of their responsibility to educate their children with Islamic values and encourage young people to choose honesty, hard work and compassion over materialism and social competition.
“Friday Khutbahs should focus on moral guidance, behavioral reform, and spiritual growth rather than personal criticism or unnecessary controversy. Their true success is measured by inspiring positive, practical changes—such as increased honesty, kindness, and responsibility—in listeners’ daily lives throughout the week.”
The Khutbah should also promote unity among Muslims and discourage hatred, personal attacksand unnecessary disputes. Almighty Allah says, “Indeed, Almighty Allah commands justice, good conduct, and giving to relatives” (Surah An-Nahl 16:90). This verse provides a strong foundation for sermons that connect religious teachings with the real problems of society. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also said, “Religion is sincere advice” (Sahih Muslim 55), reminding us of the importance of sincere guidance. However, the responsibility does not rest on Imams alone. Mosque committees should encourage meaningful and relevant sermons, while listeners should reflect on the message and put it into practice. Khutbahs should not become platforms for personal criticism, unnecessary controversy or discussions that have little connection with people’s moral and social needs. Instead, they should awaken hearts, correct behaviour, strengthen faith and inspire positive action. A successful Khutbah is not measured by the length of the sermon or the beauty of the speaker’s voice, but by the positive changes it creates in the lives of listeners. If a person leaves the mosque with a stronger commitment to honesty, a kinder attitude towards others and a greater sense of responsibility, the sermon has fulfilled its purpose. The Friday Khutbah must therefore return to its original spirit: guiding individuals, reforming society and bringing people closer to Almighty Allah through faith and good deeds. The real success of the Khutbah lies not only in what Muslims hear every Friday, but also in what they practise throughout the week.
