THE RULINGS REGARDING JUMUAH KHUTBAH

THE ANSWER (1): The Khutbah is Fard and is counted as being (obligatory) for Jumuah Namaaz (i.e for it to be regarded established in its self). This is why it is counted among the conditions of Jumuah. It has been mentioned in Fataawa Shaami:

Translation: In other words, the fourth condition for the Jumuah Salaah to be valid is the Khutbah (sermon).

Note: In other words, if Jumuah Salaah is performed without the Khutbah at some place, then this is not regarded as Jumuah and the Obligation of Jumuah will not be fulfilled. The more precise definition of this, is as follows:

Translation: And it is sufficient to say "Alhamdulillah or La ilaha illallah or SubhanAllah" once for the obligatory Khutbah (sermon) of Jumuah Salaah, but it is Makrooh to limit it to these words only, even though the obligation will be fulfilled. This is because, the Sunnah is that two sermons should be read, just as it has been mentioned in the same book, Fataawa Shaami:

Translation: And two Khutbah (sermons) are Sunnah, whilst between the two Khutbah, one should sit to the extent in which three verses can be recited. (Fataawa Shaami Volume 3 Page 239-241/Chapter of Salaah/ Zia-ul-Quran Publications Lahore)

(2) When the Jumuah Khutbah is delivered then it is Waajib (compulsory) for all those present to listen to it attentively. As it is in Fataawa Shaami:

Translation: Every action that is Haraam and forbidden in Salaah is also forbidden in Khutbah. Similarly it has been mentioned in "Khulaasah" etc. Therefore, eating, drinking, speaking, and reciting Tasbeeh (glorification) and replying to a person's Salaam, are forbidden. In fact, it is compulsory and necessary for him to listen to the Khutbah and remain silent, and this applies whether he is (sitting) close to the Imam (Khateeb), or (sitting) further away from the Imam (Khateeb). There is no difference in this regard according to the correct view. (Fataawa Shaami Volume 3 page 266/ Chapter of Salaah/ Zia-ul-Quran Publications Lahore) And it is in Bahaar e Shariat: All those things which are Haraam in Namaaz, such as eating, drinking, conveying Salaam, replying to Salaam etc. are all Haraam during the Khutbah as well, even Amr bil Ma'roof (to command something which is right). However, the Khateeb is permitted to instruct Amr bil Ma'ruf. When the Khutbah is being delivered, all those present should listen quietly as both these are Fard upon them. For those who are further away from the Imam and who are unable to hear the voice of the Imam, then for them to remain silent is also Waajib. (Bahaar e Shariat Part 4, Page 204/Imam Mustafa Raza Research Center, Durban)

(3) If a person could not attend the Jumuah Khutbah for any valid reason and came at the exact time of Jumuah Salaah and performed it, then the Jumuah Salaah will be valid, because it is not Fard or Waajib to listen to the Khutbah for the validity of (his) Jumuah Salaah. However, doing so (i.e. missing the Khutbah without reason) is definitely a cause of reduction in reward, and that person will be deprived of the attendance of Jumuah in the Register of the Angels . It is reported in the Hadith Shareef:

Translation: It is narrated on the authority of Hazrat Abu Hurairah RadiAllahu Ta'ala Anhu that our beloved Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلمsaid: "When Friday comes, at every gate of the Masjid there are Angels who write down people's names in the order in which they come, then when the Imam comes out, they roll up the scrolls and listen to the Khutbah. The one who comes early to the Salaah is like the one who sacrifices a camel, then the one who comes after him is like the one who sacrifices a cow, then the one who comes after him is like the one who sacrifices a ram" until He صلى الله عليه وسلم mentioned a chicken and an egg, based on the level of reward. (Sunan Nasaai Volume 1 Page 669/Published By Shabbeer Brothers Lahore) In the explanation and clarification of the above mentioned Hadith Shareef, Hazrat Allama Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Naeemi Alaihir Rahma writes: "That is, when the Imam comes to the pulpit (Mimbar) for the Khutbah, these Angels roll up their scrolls and start listening to the Khutbah with the people. So, the late comer will neither have his name written in the Angel's scroll, nor will he get the reward of coming early. (Miratul Manaajeeh Volume 2 Page 327/Islamic Publisher Matiya Mahal Delhi)

In Summary: The khutbah itself is Fard for Jumuah Salaah (to be regarded established in its self), and when the Jumuah Khutbah (sermon) is delivered, then it is Waajib for all present to listen to it, and if a person missed the Jumuah Khutbah for any reason, that is, he came at the exact time of Jumuah Salaah and performed the Jumuah Salaah behind the Imam, then in such a case, the Salaah of that person will be valid. However, that person will be deprived of the reward of coming early for Jumuah Salaah and he will be deprived of the attendance of Jumuah in the register of Angels as well. Therefore, one should come to the Masjid early on a Friday, and listen to the Jumuah Khutbah quietly and attentively.