Recently, I gave a Jum'ah Khutbah -- after much humming and hawing from the organizers -- in an Ivy League University.
In that Khutbah, I said, among other things, those who do not have a firm grasp of Arabic should not put themselves up as candidates to give Jum'ah Khutbah.
But the knowledge of Arabic, I pointed out was only a necessary and not a sufficient condition as a qualification to give Khutbah.
And I pointed out that both Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab knew Arabic well. But that does not qualify either one of them to give Khutbah.
And then I said, as a second requirement, those who give Khutbah on a university campus in a place like the United States should have a strong command of the English language, which, once again, is a necessary but not a sufficient condition in and of itself.
They should be able to speak English well, clearly, effectively and even eloquently. For, the Jum'ah Khutbah was a place and an occasion for some measured and effective eloquence.
And those who do not know Arabic well, as well as those who cannot speak English clearly and well enough, should be extremely hesitant to give the Khutbah.
For, the Jum'ah Khutbah is not just a "Holy Ritual," as some may say.
The Jum'ah Khutbah is, in fact, a most potent tool the Muslims have been given by God for their ongoing education, motivation and regeneration as a community or Jama'at and as an Ummah or a global nation of believers.
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