Is the Khutbah (sermon) a condition for the validity of Jumu'ah prayer?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
The Khutbah is a condition for Jumu'ah prayer; it is not valid without it. This view is held by 'Ata, an-Nakh'i, Qatadah, ath-Thawri, ash-Shafi'i, Ishaq, Abu Thawr, and the People of Opinion (*Ashab ar-Ra'y*). The basis for this ruling is the Quranic injunction: {hasten to the remembrance of Allah} (Quran 62:9), where 'remembrance' is interpreted as the Khutbah. Additionally, the Prophet (peace be upon him) never omitted the Jumu'ah Khutbah, and he commanded, "Pray as you have seen me praying." 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that the prayer was shortened because of the Khutbah, and the saying of 'A'ishah supports this. Sa'id ibn Jubayr stated that Jumu'ah was originally four rak'ahs, and the Khutbah took the place of two rak'ahs.
Supporting text
Al-Hasan is reported as dissenting, stating that the Jumu'ah is valid even if the Imam does not deliver a sermon, likening it to the Eid prayer, for which a sermon is not stipulated. This view is contrary to the established position.