The Language of The Jumu'ah Khutbah

Hereunder is a brief view of the Four Imams regarding the language of the Jumu'ah Khutbah:

1. Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal RA's ruling:
The Khutbah is incorrect in any other language but Arabic, and only if no one present knows Arabic or no one can read it then only will it be permissible in another language.

2. Imam Muhammad bin Idris As-Shafi'i RA's ruling:
It is a pre-requisite that the beginnings of both Khutbahs be in Arabic. If a person who knows Arabic cannot be found then at least one Ayat of the Qur'an be recited and if this too is not possible then some Tasbih or Zikr (in Arabic) be mentioned. (As observed in Malaysia)

3. Imam Malik bin Anas RA's ruling:
It is a condition that the Khutbah be delivered in Arabic despite the people being non-Arabs. If anyone in the audience cannot speak Arabic or read Arabic, then Jumu'ah will fall off and they would have to read Zuhr Solat instead of Jumu'ah.

4. Imam Abu Hanifah RA's ruling:
It is a ruling that the language of the Jumu'ah Khutbah must be in Arabic, and there are no exceptions.

No doubt, let us understand as an overall that the Jumu'ah Khutbah, unlike ordinary lectures - holds a special position in Islam. One must observe and make taqlid of the Imam that he follows with this regard.

The question may arise that in many parts of the world (apart from Arab countries), the congregation for Jumu'ah do not understand Arabic. It should be understood that the Khutbah is not a lecture - it is a Zikr.

Allah Ta'ala says in the Noble Qur'an:

"Hasten towards the Zikr of Allah." (Surah Al-Jumu'ah: Verse 9)

Therefore, the requirement or validity of Jumu'ah does not depend upon that audience understanding the Khutbah. Furthermore, the Khutbah is from the Shaair of Islam (salient features of Islam). Like Hajj, Eid-ul-Adha and the Adhaan, the Jumu'ah Khutbah too is from the distiguished symbols of Islam, hence, the added emphasis on maintaining it in the manner it was carried out during the lifetime of Rasulullah SAW.

It is of utmost importance to maintain the Shaair of Islam in their original form so that its beauty can become manifest throughout the world. Can we imagine the Adhaan called out in any other language besides Arabic? It would not be called Adhaan, neither would it qualify for the requirements and integrals of Adhaan. Similarly, the Jumu'ah Khutbah, if delivered in Arabic - the official language of Islam - will make manifest the essence of Islam.