(Imamate and Khutbah.. Biography and Journey) A weekly meeting on the ACADEMION platform
As part of the series of meetings presented by the ACADEMION Institute through the ACADEMION Cultural Platform, a non-profit platform that focuses on spreading knowledge and sciences through the institute's ambassadors and advisors, and through a variety of reading, audio, and visual materials, the platform held the weekly meeting on Tuesday, 23/8/2022, corresponding to 26/1/1444 AH, titled "Imamate and Khutbah.. Biography and Journey" in which Sheikh Abdullah Obaidullah Atta, a former imam and khatib, and a member of the board of directors and the executive director of the "Rahma" Association for the Care of Prisoners and Their Families, was hosted. The meeting was moderated by Dr. Abdulghani bin Naji Al-Qash, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oyun Al-Madina Newspaper, through the program (ZOOM.
The Sheikh talked about the imamate and its definition, then the preference between imamate and adhan, with what the sayings are based on from the established evidence from the Prophet, peace be upon him, and what our wise government gives importance to the matter of mosques and the appointment of imams, muezzins, and those responsible for cleaning and other tasks.
The Sheikh pointed out the rights and duties of the imam, clarifying that imamate is both an honor and a duty at the same time. He then elaborated on the qualities of the imam and his rights and duties towards the worshippers, emphasizing that the imam should ease the prayer and in situations that require moderation between length and brevity, and that the imam should deliver a sermon to the congregation and be an active element in his neighborhood and community.
The Sheikh also clarified the salary of the imam and khatib, citing the saying of the Prophet, peace be upon him: "The most deserving thing you take a reward for is the Book of Allah" Its like is that of teaching the Quran to people. He also noted that the salary is a support for them in exchange for their commitment and dedication, and an organization for this work from one side, and a limitation of responsibility from another side.
The Sheikh discussed the topic of khutbah, its definition, the characteristics of the khatib and the khutbah, then explained the difference between an impromptu khutbah and a written khutbah, where the written one confines the topic and gathers its elements, making it easier to summarize and contain it at once, unlike the impromptu one where the speech may branch out and scatter the mind.
The Sheikh pointed out that the Friday khutbah is not a summary of the most important news, and the khatib cannot refrain from mentioning some news that concerns the listeners; there must be moderation in this aspect. The Sheikh concluded the meeting by indicating that imamate and khutbah are a great responsibility, and whoever takes on that must fear Allah and seek reward from Him, and this does not contradict what the state allocates in terms of rewards and salaries for imams.