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Fatwa CenterJumuah Khutbah given in language not Arabic
Question
Salaam! I would like to know if the Jumma Khutba can be given in any language other than Arabic. I have heard that none of the Sahaba gave Jumma Khutba in the local languages where they went. If this is the case, why do people give the Khutba in the local languages (ex. English, etc)? In our city some Imams give a talk in English followed by two Khutbas in Arabic. Then there are some Imams that give a short khutba in Arabic, then speak for ten to fifteen minutes in English. Then they sit down again and give small khutba in Arabic. Then they speak for another 10-15 minutes in English. They then make Dua and then start Salat. PLease let me know what is the best and correct way. I would also like to know the daleel for Khutba to be given in English or any other local language. Jazakallah Khier. Wsalaam, Ali
Answer
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and blessing and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions. FUQAHAH (Jurists) differed on the issue of translating KHUTBA UL JUMAH (sermon of Friday) to other than Arabic language. Both parties have their evidence. SHAIKH ABDUL AZEEZ BIN BAZ (May Allah have mercy on him) collected both opinions and their pieces of evidence, and revised them. It has been published among the FATAWA of permanent board of great ULAMA in K.S.A. The summary is as below: Scholars differed in translating (KHUTBA) public sermon on Friday and two EIDS (Festivals). A group of Ulama prohibited it. They wanted to preserve the Arabic language, to protect it, to follow the way of Prophet (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and his companions, because they delivered the sermon in Arabic language in the non-Arabic countries, to encourage the people to learn the Arabic language. Other group permitted the translation considering the purpose of KHUTBA. If the audience, or most of them do not know the Arabic language, the goal would not be achieved if the KHUTBA was delivered in Arabic. Because the KHUTBA was legislated for teaching people their religious matters, to guide them towards the right path, to warn them from badness etc. There is no doubt, that respecting the meaning and achieving the objectives are more important than maintaining the words, and customs, especially when the audience is not interested in learning Arabic language, and there is no hope that addressing them in Arabic will make them rush to learn Arabic language. In such circumstances KHUTBA in Arabic would not be fruitful, and the purpose of KHUTBA would not be gained. On this basis the opinion of the scholars, who permitted the translation, is very strong and closer to SUNNAH. If some of the audience know the Arabic language, then it is preferable to deliver the KHUTBA in Arabic language. Afterwards it should be translated. Therefore, one may achieve both benefits and the conflict will be avoided. The SHAIKH related some evidence. A: Allah Says (Interpretation of meaning): {We did not send any messenger but in the language of his nation to explain to them}. The Messenger of Allah ordered ZAID IBN THABIT to learn the language of Jews to correspond with them, and to convey them Islam. The Companions of Prophet (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) did not fight people of Persia and Rome until they preached them Islam through the interpreters. The council of great Ulama in K.S.A released a FATWA that ‘There is no Hadith indicating that KHUTBA should be in Arabic language. The Prophet (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) delivered his speeches in Arabic, because this was his and his nation’s language. He addressed them, and taught them in their language. At the same time He wrote letters to non-Arabic kings and leaders in Arabic language, because He was certain that they will understand them through the interpreters. On this basis it is lawful for an orator to address people in the Arabic language and translate their sermons in the people’s language, so that the latter grasp what he has taught them. However, it is permitted for the orator to deliver the KHUTBA in the language of his country, though it is not Arabic. Thereby they will get the benefits of KHUTBA. The best thing is, delivering the KHUTBA in Arabic language then translating it in other language. By this way one may combine between following Sunnah, and achieving the purpose of KHUTBA. He will then keep away from all conflicts. Allah knows best.
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