Is ritual purity (Taharah) a condition for delivering the sermon (Khutbah)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
It is Sunnah for the one delivering the sermon to be in a state of ritual purity. Abu Al-Khattab narrated a view that purity is a precondition (Shart) for the Khutbah. The most consistent view according to the principles of the Madhhab mandates purity from major ritual impurity (Janabah). This is supported by the fact that companions held that reciting a single verse or more requires purity, and purity is deemed necessary for the Adhan (call to prayer), making it more necessary for the Khutbah which precedes the prayer.
Supporting text
Imam Ahmad stated that if a man delivers the Khutbah while in a state of major impurity (Janabah), then performs Ghusl and leads the prayer afterward, the prayer is valid. This applies if the sermon was delivered outside the mosque, or inside without the speaker knowing his state, only realizing it later. Al-Shafi'i holds two differing opinions regarding this matter, equivalent to two narrations.